READING: 2 Chronicles 8-11, Acts 4:13-37
Wisdom – that is, the “ability to judge correctly and to follow the best course of action, based on knowledge and understanding”* – is something all of us need. It is the knowledge of what is right and the choice to do what is right, and it begins with the recognition that God is God. It is the gift of God to us.
Solomon had this wisdom. The Queen of Sheba said about him after meeting him, “Indeed, I was not even told half of your great wisdom! You far exceed the report I heard” (2 Chron 9:6). The writer of Chronicles also later records this summary indicating Solomon’s wisdom: “All the kings of the world wanted an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart” (2 Chron 9:23). He had both great wisdom and great wealth as he ruled as king.
And yet, he died and “rested with his fathers and was buried in the city of his father David” (2 Chron 9:31). In fact, though the writer of Chronicles does not include this part of the story, Solomon later led his nation into idolatry, largely under the influence of his pagan wives (1 Kings 10-11). His wisdom, it seems, was not enduring.
Enduring wisdom, on the other hand, judges correctly and does what is right until the end. Wisdom lives well and finishes well.
PRAYER: “God, give me wisdom to make right choices today and every day the rest of my life.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 2 Chronicles 12-15, Acts 5:1-32
* Ronald F. Youngblood, Nelson’s Student Bible Dictionary: A Complete Guide to Understanding the World of the Bible(p. 266). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
