Give Me Wisdom

God knew well what Solomon needed, but He bade him ask.

The incident was to be a test to the young king. By the nature of his request Solomon would reveal the nature of his heart.” Solomon realized he was inexperienced and in need of knowledge, so he asked for wisdom to rule.

“Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?” (1 Kings 3:9). “One who is placed in a position of authority needs to understand the problems of others and how to solve them. In the administration of justice and the conduct of the affairs of state, he needs much of practical wisdom, keenness of insight, and clearness of judgment.

One of Solomon’s major functions would be the hearing of difficult cases that would be referred to him. . . . Standing at the head of the people of God, he sensed his great need of wisdom from God. No better understanding of the basic nature of wisdom is found anywhere than in the words written by him: ‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom’ (Prov. 9:10).” Solomon’s request pleased the Lord as he had not asked for riches, honor, long life, or his enemies’ destruction. God granted Solomon not only wisdom but all besides (1 Kings 3:13, 14).

“This is a lesson for us. Our petitions to God should not proceed from hearts that are filled with selfish aspirations. God exhorts us to choose those gifts that will redound to his glory. He would have us choose the heavenly instead of the earthly. He throws open before us the possibilities and advantages of a heavenly commerce. He gives encouragement to our loftiest aims, security to our choicest treasure. When the worldly possession is swept away, the believer will rejoice in his heavenly treasure, the riches that can not be lost in any earthly disaster.” “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding” (Proverbs 3:13).