Wonderful Wisdom
(1 Kings 3:2-28; 5:1-18; 6:1-38; 7:13-51; 9:25)
(2 Chronicles 1:2-13; 2:1-18; 3:1-17; 4:1, 6-9, 11-22; 5:1; 8:12-16)
Judgment of Solomon
By Henri-Frederic Schopin
1842
King Solomon of Israel has been called the wisest man who ever lived. This ancient monarch, who penned most of the Bible book of Proverbs, showed discernment and discretion throughout his reign.
What was the source of Solomon’s wisdom?
As we discovered in today’s Bible reading, Solomon’s sagacity was a generous gift from God. The Lord asked Solomon to request anything he desired, and Solomon asked for wisdom. What a wise choice!
“Give me an understanding heart
so that I can govern Your people well
and know the difference between right and wrong.
For who by himself is able to govern this great people of Yours?”
Why did Solomon desire wisdom?
The young king, son of the dearly departed King David, wanted wisdom to understand the Lord’s truths, to govern God’s people successfully and to discern the difference between right and wrong. Instead of seeking his own power or gain, Solomon sought to honor the Lord.
Pleased with Solomon’s proper plea, God also blessed His sage servant with prosperity, honor and a long life upon the earth. What a great and generous God we have, who reveals His eagerness to answer earnest prayers, uttered according to His own will.
Devotion Demonstrated
Solomon showed his faith and love for the Lord by making a thousand burnt offerings, in the presence of all Israel, to honor God.
Revelation in Reverie
Soon afterwards, the Lord gave Solomon a personal revelation in a dream. At this point, the Lord blessed Solomon by offering him his heart’s desire, with Solomon requesting wisdom.
Discernment Displayed
Soon, Solomon’s wisdom was tested.
When the two women appeared before the king for arbitration over a personal dispute, Solomon relied upon his God-given wisdom. Each of the women had slept with her own infant, and one of the children had died. The two mothers argued over the identity of the living baby. Solomon ordered the healthy child divided in half, so that each woman might receive part of him. Of course, the actual mother pleaded for her baby’s life, and Solomon gave the child to her.
This landmark decision cemented Solomon’s reputation in the kingdom as a wise and discerning ruler. Only after receiving the divine gift of godly wisdom did King Solomon begin the preparations for the construction of the magnificent Temple of the Lord at Jerusalem.
Do you need wisdom from God?
Daily, we may ask the Lord for many varieties of requests. Perhaps we need a job, physical healing, relief from pain, favor with authorities or material resources. Surely, God cares about the many details of our lives. Our Heavenly Father, in His great mercy and tenderness, even humors us occasionally when we pray for convenient parking spaces and other seemingly frivolous items.
What sorts of prayer requests does God hunger to answer?
If we beseech the Lord for wisdom, discernment, discretion and understanding, will He not honor this prayer? His Word promises that He will.
“If any of you need wisdom,
you should ask God,
and it will be given to you.
God is generous
and won't correct you for asking.”
Will you pray with me?
All-wise God,
Grant us Your wisdom,
That we might serve You
More fully.
Amen.
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