The Wise King - Pt 2

Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. (1 Kings 3:8-12 ESV).

The second principle in learning from Solomon is found in his request from God; he asked for wisdom. There have been a few times over the years that I have been asked why I would waste my time hunting. In many cases it was a genuine question and warranted a response. However, even when I would go into great detail about the wonderful feeling of solitude while being immersed in the wonder of God’s creation, I still could not adequately express what it meant for me to get alone and listen to God during those times spent “sitting in a tree.” Without fail it has always been at those times that I have received wisdom and understanding in a way unmatched to any other. When Solomon asked for and received wisdom from God, we should remember that he could have asked for his enemies to be destroyed or for a long life, or for more power, or even great wealth. Instead, he asked for the understanding in his heart to be able to know the right decisions for the best interests of the people. He wanted God’s wisdom. There are few things more important in life than that. We should remember that wisdom is not knowledge. A lot of brilliant people have no wisdom at all. Wisdom is the ability to assimilate that knowledge to make decisions that are right, wise, and best for all concerned. God gives us the key to gaining wisdom. First, study the Scripture. That’s the only repository of truth. It is through reading, meditating, and studying the Bible that the gates of wisdom are opened into our souls. Second, we should pray. Solomon was not born a wise man. He prayed for wisdom. The wisdom that leads to true and lasting happiness is not natural or inborn. It is supernatural. It is a gift of God. Therefore, if we would "get wisdom," we must pray. James urges us: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5 ESV). You may have a different place that lends itself to putting you in a position to hear from God than I do. Wherever it is, however, you should frequent it regularly. And, don’t be bashful. Ask God to give you wisdom.