Wednesday, 26 June 2024
“Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.” – Proverbs 4:7 NKJV
“Please make me wise and teach me the difference between right and wrong. Then I will know how to rule your people. If you don’t, there is no way I could rule this great nation of yours.” – 1 Kings 3:9 CEV
I’ve always believed that when Solomon had his encounter with GOD, it was easy for him to ask for wisdom rather than wealth because he was royalty, born into and raised in wealth. But when I look at people today, the rich keep chasing more wealth, which leads me to believe that the hunger for wealth cannot be satisfied; in fact, the more they have, the more they seem to want. So this tells me that Solomon could have easily asked for more. So him asking for wisdom tells me that his heart was sold out to GOD and not other desires, and he needed the wisdom to make sure that he pleases GOD in everything that he does.
The biblical definition of wisdom encompasses a multifaceted understanding that begins with the fear of the LORD, which encompasses awe, reverence, and respect for GOD’s power and authority. It also involves understanding and living according to GOD’s perspective, departing from evil and living a morally upright life, seeking and applying GOD’s guidance and instruction, and having a deep understanding of GOD’s nature and character. More importantly, biblical wisdom transcends intellectual knowledge or human insight, instead emerging from a personal relationship with GOD that cultivates spiritual understanding and discernment.
“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. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days.”
1 Kings 3:10-13 ESV The response from GOD here tells me that when we put Him first, there’s nothing that He will withhold from us, even the wealth that we naturally desire.
“But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”
1 Timothy 6:6-10 ESV
Biblical wisdom transcends intellectual knowledge or human insight, instead emerging from a personal relationship with GOD that cultivates spiritual understanding and discernment.
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