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What Would You Ask For?

 


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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