Ask for Wisdom as Solomon Asked for Wisdom

Asking for wisdom is necessary, but asking the right person is crucial. King Solomon demonstrates to us that we should not only be willing but that we ask for wisdom from the right person.

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As I continue the process of writing my book on Solomon’s prayer, I wanted to reveal some of the observations from King Solomon’s life that we might want to consider when handling our own.

Why the focus on Solomon?

First, he was the inspiration for this blog. If we are going to have a good understanding of biblical wisdom, it certainly should include a close look at the life of King Solomon. The second wisest person to have ever lived. He was wise in all his ways–until he wasn’t. So, he is both a good example of understanding and applying wisdom, and a good example of not understanding or applying wisdom.

Second, there is such a need for wisdom. And particularly, biblical wisdom. Common sense is a thing of the past. “Oughtness” and how to handle life properly just seem to be unappealing, if not repulsive, to most. And then there is the prevailing contradictory mindset of “Do as I say, not as I do.” What can settle the dispute or ease the tension? The truth. The right understanding and application of what is true.

Lastly, I’ve long appreciated Solomon’s prayer in 1 Kings 3. There is a great deal to be said about asking for wisdom–from God–before anything else. Whether the decision is great or small, the importance of inquiring of God was not lost on this 19-year-old king. But as is the case with all of us, including even the wisest man that ever lived, knowing something and doing it are often very different things.  As we’ll see with Solomon, a divided heart can have devastating consequences.

In many ways, we are a lot like Solomon.  Except for the king part.  And the “world renowned wisdom” part, and well, the wealth part. Though we will never be a king, we have been given a “kingdom” of sorts, for which, we are not to rule, but are responsible to care for and influence properly. Doing so, requires God’s wisdom.

Do you seek wisdom?

Leading up to his asking God for wisdom, Solomon had just made a dramatic showing of worship at Gibeon before God appeared to him in a dream. God had a direct question for Solomon. It could be argued that it was a bit of a test. God said, “ask what I shall give you.” Can you imagine? The One who literally could give you anything asks you what you want Him to give you.

Getting to the heart of the matter, we first have to ask yourself whether or not we’re even interested in receiving wisdom. While God’s wisdom is offered to all of us (James 1:5), it is quite difficult to possess it if we are unwilling to receive it. This is a good time to remind us how easily we resist what is best for us. Maybe take a little time to examine this possibility of your being unwilling to ask for wisdom because you’re unwilling to receive it.

What do you seek wisdom for? 

Given our role and responsibility in “the realm” we have been given, we should be overwhelmed by the thought of going about it without consulting God. However, our culture is replete with a response to that. It usually comes in some form of “unleash the power within you“. Fortunately, we don’t have to spend a whole lot of time to see how that turns out: destructive levels of narcissism.

If taken seriously, considering our part in God’s plan for this world should drive us immediately to inquire of Him how exactly we should go about doing it. We should quickly see something in our life, or in our realm of influence that causes us to cry out as Solomon did. “Oh, great God, have mercy… that you would give me wisdom to properly and honorably care for (these overwhelming things that I am not equipped to do) in your name?”   

It is beyond us. We need God. That is the point.

Understanding that, we can move from being reactive to being proactive. Reflecting on the life of Solomon, John MacArthur asks this question: “What is the single, most concentrated effort you are carrying out in your life for the glory of God?” 

In other words, are you seeking to carry out something that requires you to have God’s wisdom?  And if not, why not? A comfortable “reign” is not a healthy, an effective, nor God-glorifying reign.

Resist the temptation of your own wisdom

The tension that exists between asking for God’s wisdom or depending on our own is by design. We must be vigilant in our seeking wisdom from God. And, unlike Solomon, guard ourselves from an undivided heart in order to keep our “kingdom” from being conquered. The life of Solomon is the exclamation point on how to avoid the missteps, misuses and and plain misses in caring for what God has appointed us over.

As we observe 1 Kings 1-11 in this special series, we’ll want to seek the answers to these three key questions: 

• Am I stepping out in faith such that I require God’s wisdom?
• How do I keep from having a divided heart?
• How should I manage/steward the “kingdom” I have been given?

In the next post, we’ll take a look at two key verses that mark the rise and fall of King Solomon.

Wisdom In All Things Special Series: Solomon’s Missteps, Misuses, and Just Plain Misses

Photo by Leio McLaren (leiomclaren.com) on Unsplash