I Kings 3:5-10, "At Gibeon, the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, ‘Ask for whatever you want Me to give you.' Solomon answered, ‘I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. ... Give Your servant a discerning heart to govern Your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.' The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this."

James 1:5, "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."

Think

When you think of the word "wisdom," what or who is the first thing - besides God - that comes to mind? If it was King Solomon, you hit the mark. And wise he was! In fact, the Bible says his wisdom exceeded all others before him and after.

As we see in today's reading, Solomon was young when he inherited the throne from his father, David. Since he lacked prior experience, he asked God for wisdom and discernment to lead Israel, and God was pleased. Early on, Solomon's heart beat fast for God, and he was blessed for his obedience.

Unfortunately, as years passed, Solomon gave into lust and pride. God specifically told him not to marry foreign women or participate in their pagan practices. Yet he married 700 women and took on 300 concubines, many of whom were idol worshipers. His heart turned from God, and he, too, began worshiping false gods. And like He does with us, God didn't override his free will or force him to obey. Solomon's actions led to some grave consequences, causing the world's wisest man to become the biggest fool!

Eventually, Solomon realized that his life had become meaningless and empty and turned back to God. Had he remained obedient to God, he wouldn't have wasted so many years chasing the wrong things. Just think of all the unnecessary trouble he brought upon himself! Sound familiar? Because it's no different for us today.

God loves to give wisdom. He wants us to gain understanding and discernment through His Word. So, let's be smart (and save ourselves a lot of trouble) and continue asking God for this great gift that He gives generously to all who ask!

Act

Read I Kings 11:1-6 and Ecclesiastes 12:13-14. Although we don't literally worship false idols, anything that takes precedence over our relationship with God is idolatry. What's currently encroaching upon your time spent with God? What are you "worshiping" aside from God? Ask God for wisdom and discernment to restructure your priorities to keep Him first.

Pray

Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that You alone are the Source of wisdom. I ask for discernment and understanding so that I may walk wisely and remain obedient to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.