1 Kings 3:9, “So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours.”
Solomon, the third king of Israel, is known in the Bible as the wisest and wealthiest Israelite King to have walked the earth (2 Chronicles 1:12). The Scriptures record that his vast knowledge included plant life, animals and memorizing over 3,000 proverbs (1 Kings 4:32-33). Solomon was well known and admired for his great wisdom as noted in 1 Kings 4:34, “From all nations people came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom.”
It is estimated that Solomon’s wealth in today’s terms would be valued around 100 billion dollars with an annual income of over 700 million in just gold. Israel had so much gold during Solomon’s reign that silver became of little value (1 Kings 10:21). He also built an extravagant place of worship for God known as, “Solomon’s Temple,” made with solid gold and the finest of materials (1 Kings 6). Today, Solomon’s inspired writings found in the book of Proverbs are the single greatest source of practical wisdom in the world.
We can learn from Solomon that God’s wisdom is to be valued and treasured in life. When God asked Solomon what he wanted, he responded in faith that he desired discernment (wisdom) to guide God’s people. And because he didn’t ask for wealth and power, God gave him wisdom, plus more wealth and power than he could ever imagine.
Therefore, we should apply the same faith in our requests to God. Instead of asking God for more money and blessings, we should ask Him for more wisdom to make better financial decisions and live a prosperous life. Solomon wrote in Proverbs 4:7-9, “7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. 8 Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. 9 She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown.” A wise man once said, “We don’t have money, family and government problems- we have a lack of wisdom problem!”
We don’t need more things to solve our problems; we need more of God’s wisdom.
Do you need God’s wisdom? You can do exactly what Solomon did and ask God for it! James said, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5). Have faith in God and ask for wisdom!
Reflection
Do you believe that God’s wisdom can solve all your problems?
Action
- Ask God to give you wisdom.
- Read the Bible, especially the book of Proverbs and receive, the wisdom you need from God.
- By faith, live a wisdom-filled life!
One Year Reading Plan
Ezekiel 27:1-28:26, Hebrews 11:17-31, Psalm 111:1-10, & Proverbs 27:15-16. Click here to read online.
