For the last few days I have been reading about Solomon’s rise to power. He was a young man, used by God, to bring a season of peace to Israel.
One night the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and told him, “ask for anything you want and I’ll give it to you”.
Solomon’s answer is one that speaks to my heart.
“You were very kind and loyal to your servant, my father David… And you showed him the greatest kindness when you let his son take his place as king. 7 Lord my God, you have made me the king in my father’s place, but I am like a small child. I don’t have the wisdom I need to do what I must do…9 So I ask you to give me the wisdom to rule and judge them well and to help me know the difference between right and wrong. Without such great wisdom, it would be impossible to rule this great nation.” I King 3:6-9 ERV
The Lord was pleased with Solomon’s answer and granted his request but the Lord also added these blessings as well.
“You asked for the wisdom to listen and make the right decisions. 12 So I will give you what you asked for. I will make you wise and intelligent. I will make you wiser than anyone who ever lived or ever will live. 13 And I will also give you what you did not ask for. You will have riches and honor all your life. There will be no other king in the world as great as you.” I Kings 3:11-13 ERV
The other morning I wrote in my journal, “Lord, I want to be kind and wise”. Kindness without wisdom can lead us to do impractical things but kindness with wisdom gives us direction to make proper decisions.
I can’t help but think that James may have been studying the life of Solomon when he wrote: “ Do any of you need wisdom? Ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys giving to everyone. So he will give you wisdom. 6 But when you ask God, you must believe. Don’t doubt him. Whoever doubts is like a wave in the sea that is blown up and down by the wind.” James 1:5-6 ERV
The prayer for wisdom is a prayer that God enjoys answering for everyone who asks.
Solomon, the writer of Proverbs, said this about wisdom.
“ Look for wisdom like silver. Search for it like hidden treasure. 5 If you do this, you will understand what it means to respect the Lord, and you will come to know God. 6 The Lord is the source of wisdom; knowledge and understanding come from his mouth. 7 He gives good advice to honest people and shields those who do what is right. 8 He makes sure that people are treated fairly. He watches over his loyal followers.” Proverbs 2:4-8 ERV
At my age, I am still trusting the Lord for wisdom, learning from His word, following the leading of the Holy Spirit. I desire to share the Father’s heart and His word with the world that He has placed me in.
“ Saying the right thing at the right time is like a golden apple in a silver setting. 12 Wise advice to a listening ear is like gold earrings or fine jewelry.” Proverbs 25:11-12 ERV
Saying the right thing at the right time is a true treasure, like apples of gold in a setting of silver!
