READING: 1 Kings 3-5
If you were 20 years old, and God offered to give you anything you wanted, what would you have requested? Wealth? Fame? Good looks? Power? That’s likely how old Solomon was when God gave him that same offer — and the young king requested only wisdom to lead God’s people well. Throughout the chapters of today’s reading is the evidence that God granted his wish:
“I will give you a wise and discerning heart” (1 Kings 3:12).
“They [the people] held the king in awe, because they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice” (1 Kings 3:28).
“God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore” (1 Kings 4:29).
“From all nations people came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom” (1 Kings 4:34).
“The Lord gave Solomon wisdom, just as He had promised him” (1 Kings 5:12).
I am gripped today by how little I pray for wisdom, even though James told us to ask for it if we need it (James 1:5). And, to be honest, I’m thinking right now about how many mistaken decisions I’ve made because I really didn’t ask for wisdom. My tendency has been to ask for wisdom only when I really think I need it as opposed to recognizing that I always need it. How sad it is when we find ourselves in difficulties simply because we don’t ask for what God offered to us!
Each morning, I ask the Lord to bless the day and to keep me from the evil one. Now, I plan to add these words: “And give me a wise and discerning heart that hears You clearly and follows you accordingly. Please grant me that gift.”
ACTION STEPS:
- Check out a Bible dictionary entry on “wisdom.” Learn about this important topic.
- Think about people who have modeled wisdom in your life. Thank God for them.
- Ask God to give you wisdom today.
PRAYER: “God, give me wisdom.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Kings 6-7
