Wisdom
“Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? And the speech pleased the LORD, that Solomon had asked this thing” (1 Kings 3:9-10).
“Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? And the speech pleased the LORD, that Solomon had asked this thing” (1 Kings 3:9-10).
Any person with a reasonable mental grasp would agree that wisdom is essential. I have often heard and made jokes about those without “common sense.” Some have “book smarts,” but no ability to put that knowledge into any useable practice. Thus, such a person is devoid of common sense, or the Biblical term, wisdom.
Wisdom is simply how to use the knowledge we’ve acquired or have been given. It is most definitely useful, a practical tool to exist in the world. How often I’ve shaken my head at others, and even more at myself for foolish mistakes that were simply performed by not taking time to think through and reason the best approach during any given situation.
On the freeways or downtown traffic we see people that we wish would pray for more wisdom. We run into them on the factory floor or in the office hallway. We see parents that need wisdom to rightly bring up their children in an honorable way. We know of church members and pastors that could use wisdom. We all need wisdom that comes from God.
Solomon realized the need to understand, and also the need for the ability to discern between one thing and another. So, understanding his need to understand and discern, he went to the Source that was able to give him the knowledge and wisdom he needed.
Solomon wasn’t seeking this knowledge and wisdom for personal gain of wealth, power or long life – nor should we. Often when I shake my head at myself or others it isn’t because they, or I have failed to honor the Lord by discerning between good and bad, it is generally because they’ve been in my way in traffic, or I’ve made some foolish choice. Often I fail to consider that wisdom in the larger sense is needed; not to avoid some small, insignificant occurrences, but to avoid sinning against the Lord.
Solomon’s speech “pleased the LORD.” The Lord was so pleased with Solomon’s request that He granted it, saying, “I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.”
How blessed the day when all of the Lord’s saints would bow, as Solomon, and request the Almighty for understanding and wisdom to discern between right and wrong in the decisions we make each day, the responses we give in the face of trials, and the commitments we make in all aspects of our lives. Think of the prevented sins if we all sought the Lord more earnestly, fervently and continually for discernment between the good and the bad.
Wisdom is simply how to use the knowledge we’ve acquired or have been given. It is most definitely useful, a practical tool to exist in the world. How often I’ve shaken my head at others, and even more at myself for foolish mistakes that were simply performed by not taking time to think through and reason the best approach during any given situation.
On the freeways or downtown traffic we see people that we wish would pray for more wisdom. We run into them on the factory floor or in the office hallway. We see parents that need wisdom to rightly bring up their children in an honorable way. We know of church members and pastors that could use wisdom. We all need wisdom that comes from God.
Solomon realized the need to understand, and also the need for the ability to discern between one thing and another. So, understanding his need to understand and discern, he went to the Source that was able to give him the knowledge and wisdom he needed.
Solomon wasn’t seeking this knowledge and wisdom for personal gain of wealth, power or long life – nor should we. Often when I shake my head at myself or others it isn’t because they, or I have failed to honor the Lord by discerning between good and bad, it is generally because they’ve been in my way in traffic, or I’ve made some foolish choice. Often I fail to consider that wisdom in the larger sense is needed; not to avoid some small, insignificant occurrences, but to avoid sinning against the Lord.
Solomon’s speech “pleased the LORD.” The Lord was so pleased with Solomon’s request that He granted it, saying, “I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.”
How blessed the day when all of the Lord’s saints would bow, as Solomon, and request the Almighty for understanding and wisdom to discern between right and wrong in the decisions we make each day, the responses we give in the face of trials, and the commitments we make in all aspects of our lives. Think of the prevented sins if we all sought the Lord more earnestly, fervently and continually for discernment between the good and the bad.
1 comment:
I don't feel like I have very good discernment; I am blessed to have a husband with good discernment.
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