Solomon of the Old Testament became the wisest man on Earth because he asked God for wisdom to rule God’s people. In a sense, God offered Solomon a blank cheque. God appeared to him and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” (1 Kings 3:5 NIV)
Solomon answered God with deep respect. He said, “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day.” (1 Kings 3:6)
Solomon also answered God with a humility about his leading of God’s people as king. He confessed to God, “Now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father, David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people too numerous to count or number. So, give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” (1 Kings 3:7-9)
Pleased with Solomon, God said to him, “Since you have asked for this, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for–both riches and honor–so that in your lifetime, you will have no equal among kings. If you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands, I will give you a long life.” (1 Kings 3:11-14)
Solomon became famous at home and abroad in his day for his wise judgments and decisions. Examples of his wise decisions in settling disputes are still quoted today. However, his life also shows being extremely wise means little if one forgets God’s ways, statues, and commandments. Solomon, like us, forgot that God gives us understanding so that we would use our knowledge of His ways, statutes, and commands to the greatest good of everyone.
It seems Solomon got caught up in recognition of his wisdom and his wealth as he ruled as king. He forgot to honour God, who gave him his wisdom and wealth as time went along. Like Solomon, we can focus on the riches and honours of this life and forget about God. We make decisions that do not reflect God’s word and will. Unfortunately, we may dismiss God’s ways, statutes and commandments. Sadly, we may live out our lives in our own wisdom instead of God’s.
The Bible makes it clear that all people fail to always choose right instead of wrong, except for Jesus, God’s Son. Thankfully, God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ. God has chosen us for adoption as his children through our faith in Jesus. Believing in Jesus, we have redemption through Christ’s blood, the forgiveness of our sins. (Ephesians 1:3-7) God deals with believers in Jesus in grace, that is unconditional love and forgiveness as his gift to us.
