Each individual has been created wonderfully by God. Everyone is gifted differently, with skills, knowledge for practical progress to use for God’s purposes.
At the time Solomon was made king, he loved the Lord and desired to govern in a way pleasing to God. That really pleased the Lord and immediately, God asked Solomon what he wanted. The response was “I am like a little child who doesn’t know his way around. Please give me wisdom and understanding to govern your people well”. That really pleased the Lord and so in addition, He gave him riches and fame. Consequently, Solomon attained diplomatic wisdom, logistics, and practical implementations in fulfilling God’s plans.
The first wise judgement test came to Solomon regarding an argument between the two prostitutes regarding the judgement of the case on the living child. A very delicate situation as both women claimed the living baby. One wanted the living child to be cut in half. Solomon used his wisdom to determine whose child that was and gave him to the real mother. Solomon probably asked “will the real mother stand up”? Proverbs 8:11 says; “For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with it.”
Solomon built the Lord’s Temple with wisdom and had it dedicated. The Lord reminded him in 1 Kings 9:4-5 “As for you, if you will follow me with integrity and godliness, as David, your father did, obeying all my commands, decrees, and regulations, then I will establish the throne of your dynasty over Israel forever. For, I made this promise to your father, David: ‘One of your descendants will always sit on the throne of Israel.’ For the promise to be actualized, there were requirements for faith, obedience, integrity. In addition, no compromise, trusting God, connectedness to God, and maintaining a good walk with God.
But we know from scripture that as time passed by Solomon was consumed with his achievements, wealth and splendor and was distracted from his relationship with God. He used his wisdom inappropriately and he is known to be the king who loved the world! Pride, fame and marrying many foreign women distracted him. For the sake of David, the Lord still kept Solomon as leader for forty years until he died but his kingdom was divided because of disobedience. His wisdom was not stripped away but he did not leave a meaningful legacy for his children. God’s standards of wisdom are humility and obedience. “True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life.” Proverbs 22:4. This is an encouragement to study the scriptures and get to know the character of God through prayer and fellowship.
Dear Lord, Help me not to miss the point, not to steal your glory and to use opportunities that come my way in a practical way. Teach me to put faith to work and not be stuck in endless debates or foolishness.
Reflection:
Is there a situation in your life that you could use wisdom? Ask for it.
Partial, temporary or delayed obedience to God turns out to be disobedience. Can you name an example in the Bible?
Meditate on: Psalm 119:60 “I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands.”
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