Continuing with our study of wisdom, today we consider the life and journey of one of the wisest men who lived before Christ, the son of King David, King Solomon. We read in 1 Kings 3 from verse 5 that God appeared to King Solomon in a dream after he assumed the throne, and we see Solomon immediately bring to remembrance all that God had done for him and his father David (v.6), humbling himself before the Lord and saying, “You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in…” (v.7). Solomon shows great humility in acknowledging that all he had become was by the grace of God, understanding that indeed victory does not belong to those who think they know, but instead, to those who know their God (Daniel 11:32). King Solomon acknowledged the greatness of the people he had been called to lead, and thus asked the Lord, “... give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” (v.9). God was greatly pleased by Solomon’s show of selflessness and desire for the greater good, responding to him, “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you” (v.11-12). This shows us that while God is gracious and grants the requests of men, He does weigh them as they expose the posture of our hearts. We learn here that true greatness begins when you consider the well-being of others, not just thinking of yourself and your immediate needs.
This is why we read, “… seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). This is not to say that we do not pursue productivity and all other vital areas of life, but all of these come second to the Kingdom and its advancement – for we know that if ‘the first fruit is holy, the lump is also holy” (Romans 11:16). Back to Solomon, we see that the wisdom he received from God was immediately tested, another fact of life – the Word of God we receive will always be tested! We read that two women who had both given birth came to him arguing over the maternity of the child who lived after one had died and after the bereaved mother decided to wickedly switch her dead child for the other woman’s living son (1 Kings 3:16-28). King Solomon responded, “Bring me a sword” (v.24) – catch the reference here, we know that the Sword is the Word of God, which is “sharper than any double edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). King Solomon pretended to want to use the sword to divide the living son into two so that each woman have a piece, and the real mother revealed herself in that moment by immediately surrendering for the sake of the life of the boy, and King Solomon then judged in her favour and returned her son back to her (1 Kings 3:27).
We can practically see from this example what we have read in the scriptures, that wisdom truly is a defence – “For wisdom is a defence as money is a defence, but the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it” (Ecclesiastes 7:12). Unlike money, which has its own limitations, wisdom as a defence is able to go further and defend your life! The spirit of wisdom gives counsel, and this counsel brings men promotion! We read, “… of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command” (1 Chronicles 12:32). And again, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you; she will bring you honour, when you embrace her. She will place on your head an ornament of grace; a crown of glory she will deliver to you” (Proverbs 4:7-9). This is the role of wisdom, church! It teaches you, guides you, tells you what is coming and reinvents you for dominance! Let us all pursue wisdom and heed to her instructions diligently!
Prayer
Father, we thank You for Your word of guidance and wisdom, showing us the benefits of your counsel and opening the eyes of our understanding that we may obey You! With You by our side, we dominate and bring all things under our subjection and to the rule of Christ! In the name of Jesus, Amen!
