Wisdom From Above

I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you. . .

  1 Kings 3:12

When David died, Israel lost its first great king. Though he was flawed in many ways, he had been a man “after God’s own heart”, Samuel 13:14.  David’s son Solomon was chosen by God to be the next king. David advised his son, “Be strong, act like a man, and observe what the Lord your God requires.”

What would Solomon need in order to rule well and follow David’s instruction? Solomon knew that to lead well, he must come to know and trust in God, seeking guidance from the Lord.

The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream with an astonishing invitation: “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon asked for the gift of wisdom. The Lord was pleased with Solomon’s request, and he received wisdom unlike anyone else.

As participants in Christ’s kingdom, we have many callings in which we can exercise some degree of leadership and service to God. In our homes, workplaces, schools, and churches, or wherever God leads us, we need wisdom to live faithfully and fruitfully. In James 1:5 we read, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

Generous God, we acknowledge how deeply we need the wisdom of Christ. Help us to believe that You will supply all that we need. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Inspired by a Today Devotion

Give Me Wisdom

Bobbie Hoffman