Solomon answered, “You were extravagantly generous with David my father, and now you have made me king in his place. Establish, God, the words you spoke to my father, for you’ve given me a staggering task, ruling this mob of people. Yes, give me wisdom and knowledge as I come and go among this people—for who on his own is capable of leading these, your glorious people?” God answered Solomon, “This is what has come out of your heart: You didn’t grasp for money, wealth, fame, and the doom of your enemies; you didn’t even ask for a long life. You asked for wisdom and knowledge so you could govern well my people over whom I’ve made you king. Because of this, you get what you asked for—wisdom and knowledge. And I’m presenting you the rest as a bonus—money, wealth, and fame beyond anything the kings before or after you had or will have.” 2 Chronicles 1:8-12 (MSG)
God appeared to Solomon one night to grant him anything he wanted. Solomon asked for wisdom to lead God’s people in the kingdom he was set to rule. Because of this, Solomon was known as the wisest of all kings (I Kings 10:23-24). But not only did God bless Solomon with wisdom, He also gave him other blessings.
Solomon, in all his wisdom, encourages us to pursue wisdom. He tells us to do whatever it takes to get wisdom. There are many things we can do to gain wisdom. Reading the Bible as well as other books (to assist us in growing in our faith) can help us gain wisdom. We can also spend time in prayer and listen to God’s direction for us to help gain His wisdom. God tells us if we want wisdom, all we have to do is ask (James 1:5).
When I was a boy at my father’s knee, the pride and joy of my mother, He would sit me down and drill me: “Take this to heart. Do what I tell you—live! Sell everything and buy Wisdom! Forage for Understanding! Don’t forget one word! Don’t deviate an inch! Never walk away from Wisdom—she guards your life; love her—she keeps her eye on you. Above all and before all, do this: Get Wisdom! Write this at the top of your list: Get Understanding! Throw your arms around her—believe me, you won’t regret it; never let her go—she’ll make your life glorious. She’ll garland your life with grace, she’ll festoon your days with beauty.” Proverbs 4:3-9 (MSG)
Did you like this post? Share it!