Day 12: Wise Words
Today, we will think about Solomon and his prayer recorded in 2 Chronicles 1:10, “Give me the wisdom and understanding to lead them properly, for who could possibly govern this great people of yours?” King Solomon is synonymous with many characteristics; the one we will focus on today is wisdom.
Feeling his own inadequacy and sensing his need for divine assistance, he went to God in worship. And God appeared to Solomon in a dream, saying, “Ask what I should give you.” And Solomon said, “O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant, therefore, an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this, your great people?” So God replied, “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for long life or wealth or the death of your enemies— I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have!” (1 Kings 3)
Interestingly enough, Solomon was confronted with a situation immediately after praying for the gift of wisdom. In 1 Kings 3:16-28, two women came to Solomon. These women lived together in the same house, and they both gave birth within days of one another. One of the children died in the night, and its mother exchanged it for the living child while the other mother slept. In the morning, the other mother awoke and recognized that the dead child was not hers, and the argument that ensued was brought to the king for settlement.
God’s wisdom is readily available in all situations, challenges and questions we face. In this story, wisdom was found in understanding the mother’s love. We simply need to ask, as James reminds us, “If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5) And such wisdom is for the sake of others: “...the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favouritism and is always sincere.” (James 3:17)
Can you imagine living like this?
Lord, We thank you for your wisdom and understanding. You encourage us that getting wisdom is the wisest thing we can do, so we ask for your wisdom to wrap our thoughts and guide our steps. Amen.
Reflect and Respond
Prayer Focus
“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
