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Asking For Wisdom - 1 Kings 3
Asking For Wisdom - 1 Kings 3
I am impressed that Solomon would ask for wisdom to govern the LORD’s people instead of the many things he could have asked for: "So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?" (1 Kings 3:9). "Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people, for who can rule this great people of Yours?" (2 Chronicles 1:10).
I always think of the magic lamp story and the granting of 3 wishes. How many of us would have first asked for 3 more wishes? Then, what would we have asked for? Money and prosperity? Position of power and authority? Ease of life? In fact, in examining our own hearts, this is a good question to ask – what WOULD I ask for? Where a man’s heart is, that is where his treasure is! (and conversely, where your treasure is indicates to everyone where your heart is!).
The LORD has instructed us to seek and acquire wisdom: “Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth” (Proverbs 4:5; see also Prov. 2:2; 4:7, 5:1; 16:16; 23:23).
The LORD has promised to give wisdom to those who seek and ask: “For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6). Also: “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).
Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever” (Psalms 111:10; see also Prov. 9:10).
The FRUIT of such wisdom is found in keeping and doing the commandments of the LORD: "So keep and do them, for that is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes and say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.'” (Deuteronomy 4:6).
Are you walking in wisdom?
Hugh DeLong
