“ 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
In 1 King chapter 3, we find king Solomon in the city of Gibeon. After sacrificing burnt offerings on the alter, later that night, God appeared to Solomon in a dream. God says to Solomon, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon then says, “Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading Your glorious people?” (1 Kings 3:9). Wisdom is what Solomon petitioned to God. What if you had the opportunity to walk in Solomon’s shoes? You had the ability to ask for anything—what would you consider asking God? Many of us would desire peace of mind, financial increase, or even greater works. Your request to Him would likely mirror the very things that you are needing in this season of life. What if we anticipated a need far beyond a temporary want? Something greater than ourselves. For Solomon, having God’s wisdom was the key that unlocked the treasures of the Holy One. With Solomon being in position as king, he desired a heart that would be filled by God’s discernment. He could have asked for more power or influence, but Solomon understood the responsibility and weight of what he sought from the Father. He recognized his position as a leader and how his actions affected the people of God. What does walking in wisdom look like for us as believers? Why was wisdom so important for king Solomon to gain?
Being well-pleased in his response, God granted wisdom to Solomon. After waking up, Solomon returns to Jerusalem and goes to the Ark of the Covenant and prepares a banquet for those in service. Suddenly two prostitutes show up before the king. Both women are having a dispute between guardianship of a son. This caused great anguish and despair between the women. Through a very tricky and challenging situation, Solomon was able to use wisdom to discern the placement of the baby’s mother. (1 Kings 3:16-28). He was able to settle this issue with the divine direction. Word eventually made its way around the city, and everyone was amazed at the kings’ sound decision-making in a difficult circumstance. No increase of power or works created a sensible resolution. Perhaps Solomon knew operating in wisdom from God could tear down strongholds of misunderstandings. Perhaps he knew encountering the wisdom of God could break chains of chaos and confusion. He knew that wisdom was the greatest gift he could have received.
Wisdom is one of the many spiritual gifts that we as believers can abide by and have access to. James 1:5 tells us, that we can freely ask for wisdom. Wisdom is what kept Solomon at the Feet of God seeking His guidance. Wisdom is what helped him serve the people with understanding and insight. Wisdom is what helped him to distinguish between right and wrong concerning his reign. As believers, we can take a page out of the handbook of Solomon. We can be careful and mindful of what we are requesting from the Father. Maybe our petition to God should focus more on aligning our faith with His established truth in our lives. God already has the connections lined up regarding your career. He already has the resources available for you in order to be successful in running your business. You have the skills required for that degree you have been working toward. Maybe God is asking us to seek out His wisdom, discernment, and understanding. His wisdom will help you to sustain the work you are putting forth. His wisdom allows you to handle the matters of His kingdom well. Stewardship shows up in His wisdom. Purposeful steps are created in His wisdom. As we incorporate discernment in our walk with God, He will reveal His strategy and ground work to us. To know the way of wisdom, is to also know the Father’s heart.
“Earthly wisdom is doing what comes naturally. Godly wisdom is doing what the Holy Spirit compels us to do.” —Charles Stanley
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