Tucked away in the pages of 1 Kings, I find the story of a king who has a dream one night in which God asks him, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!”

King Solomon acknowledges he was made king because his father, David, was honest and true and faithful to God.

But there was a problem in becoming king:

“Now, O Lord my God, you have made me king instead of my father, David, but I am like a little child who doesn’t know his way around.  And here I am in the midst of your own chosen people, a nation so great and numerous they cannot be counted!”
(1 Kings 3:7-8, NLT)

Solomon first expressed his own inexperience, the nation’s greatness, and the great responsibility upon him to lead them. Then he answered the question God had posed to him:

“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?” (verse 9, NLT)

Wisdom. King Solomon asked simply for wisdom. Warren Wiersbe explains:

“Wise people not only have knowledge of human nature and of the created world, but they also know how to use that knowledge in the right way at the right time. Wisdom isn’t a theoretical idea or an abstract commodity; it’s very practical and personal. Many people are smart enough to make a good living but aren’t wise enough to make a good life, a life of fulfillment that honors the Lord.”

(from The Wiersbe Study Bible, page 479)

Solomon knew he couldn’t lead the people nor complete the building of the temple without wisdom from God. He recognized his inability and inexperience and yet knew he was chosen for the task.

Wisdom.

We still need it to live and make right choices today. It’s a necessary ingredient in leading our families, in our places of work, and in our churches. Solomon humbly recognized his need to understand the people around him to lead them well and make the right and just decisions.

“The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom.” (verse 10, NLT)

So must we humbly ask God for wisdom.We need it daily in every situation, with each person. God is pleased when we ask for wisdom and understanding. In fact, James tells us this:

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” (James 1:5, NLT)

God being pleased with Solomon in asking for wisdom, responds by giving King Solomon wisdom and more:

“And I will also give you what you did not ask for.” (verse 11, NLT)

God gave Solomon far beyond what he could have expected. God always gives his best to those who humbly ask with the right motive of heart.

Our generous God will pour out His wisdom on our humble hearts.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
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