“I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding mind such as no one else has ever had or ever will have!” 1 Kings 3:12 (NLT)
Solomon requested that God give him an understanding mind that would recognize the difference between right and wrong so that he could govern God’s people wisely. What a terrific request! It is quite a different request than some modern theologies promote. What kind of gift is this wisdom? It is the knowledge and understanding of when and how to correctly react to a situation. Wisdom produces a sensible judgment according to the extent of the situation. Wisdom does not ask inappropriate questions of why. Instead, wisdom simply looks at the actual situation and tries to reach the right conclusion or action that presents itself.
To live wisely, we must possess unobstructed judgment. We do not allow fear, pessimism, bigotry, etc to obstruct our observations of life. We strive to react correctly to every situation that confronts us.
Divine wisdom enables us to live with understanding and sensible judgment in our everyday lives. We may not be able to mirror Solomon’s wisdom but we can rely on the One who gave Solomon his wisdom. He is always listening and ready to guide us in our conclusions and actions.
Dear Father, thank you for your wisdom and the peace it brings. By your grace, enable us to live wisely everyday. Empower us to be wise counselors to others. May we be good examples to your glory. In the name of Jesus, I pray. AMEN
Be encouraged today in the wisdom of God,