1 Kings 3-4, 2 Chronicles 1, Psalm 72
In these accounts (1 Kings 3 & 2 Chronicles 1), we see Solomon following the LORD and God coming to him in a dream to ask him whatever he wants.
In the start of his reign here, Solomon presents himself with humility before God in his answer.
1 Kings 3:7-9 says
7 “Now, 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. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 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?”
He could have so easily asked for more, yet what he wanted was to be able to do the job that God had appointed to him well. I really appreciate this and want it to be an example to me to want to do my job(s) well. I am thankful that for the most part, I enjoy my job, which makes it easier to work hard at it. But I know that is not always the case. For those jobs that I am maybe not fully equipped for, or maybe especially in the ones I think I am, I want to be reminded to ask God for wisdom in how I work or lead so that I can do it well.
As we continue reading, we see the wisdom of Solomon here, and we see how he became a great king, but seeing this positive start here also saddens me when we read how he fell and how he turned away from the God who gave him this great wisdom, wealth, and honor. You’ll read about that later, but I just wanted to note that again (from earlier in the week), we can’t let pride get in the way – even those viewed as some of the “greats” have fallen when led astray.
~Stephanie Fletcher
Reflection Questions
- How would you define wisdom?
- What is one decision you have made that showed a lot of wisdom? What is one decision you have made that lacked wisdom?
- In what jobs/roles/areas of your life should you pray for a more discerning heart to distinguish between right and wrong?
- How does pride mess with wisdom?
Seek Grow Love 