If you could
have the one thing in life you desired the most, what would it be? If you knew
that just by asking for it, you would receive it, what would you ask for? While
this scenario may seem out of bounds for most of us, it was a legitimate
opportunity that one man had. His name was Solomon.
“At Gibeon
the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, ‘Ask! What
shall I give you?’” (1 Kings 3:5)
King Solomon
could have asked God for anything. He could have asked for great wealth, long
life, or the heads of his enemies. Instead, it was wisdom that he desired. He
wanted wisdom to judge the people of God and to discern between good and evil
(1 Kings 3:9).
God was pleased
with the words of Solomon. He granted him wisdom that would exceed all those
before him and those that would come after him. God also granted him with
riches and honor (vs. 12-13).
Wisdom out
exceeds all other blessings one may desire. Solomon later wrote, “For wisdom
is better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared
with her.” (Proverbs 8:11).
Today, wisdom
is still to be greatly desired. James wrote, “If any of you lacks wisdom,
let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it
will be given to him.” James 1:5). True wisdom comes only from God. It is
this wisdom that enables us to distinguish between good and evil. Today, we
gain this through the study of God’s holy word.
The Hebrew
writer stated, “But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that
is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good
and evil.” (Hebrews 5:14). This wisdom is necessary when navigating through
all the various teaching and perspectives of man. How do we determine truth?
How do we know the right path to take?
We accomplish
this be comparing what we hear with the word of God. This was the practice of
the Bereans. Luke records, “These were more fair-minded than those in
Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched
the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” (Acts
17:11).
Today, we grow
in wisdom through prayer and careful study of God’s word. We take the time to
compare what man says with what is written in the holy word of God. When it
lines up, all is good. When there is a discrepancy between the two, we must
always go with what the word of God says. In this, we exercise great wisdom
before man and before our God.
God Bless each
of you,
Eric Hicks
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