Lead Like King Solomon

The Bible says in 1 Kings 3:1-9 CSB Solomon made an alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt by marrying Pharaoh’s daughter. Solomon brought her to the city of David until he finished building his palace, the Lord’s temple, and the wall surrounding Jerusalem. However, the people were sacrificing on the high places, because until that time a temple for the Lord’s name had not been built. Solomon loved the Lord by walking in the statutes of his father David, but he also sacrificed and burned incense on the high places.

The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there because it was the most famous high place. He offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said, “Ask. What should I give you?”And Solomon replied, “You have shown great and faithful love to your servant, my father David, because he walked before you in faithfulness, righteousness, and integrity. You have continued this great and faithful love for him by giving him a son to sit on his throne, as it is today.

“Lord my God, you have now made your servant king in my father David’s place. Yet I am just a youth with no experience in leadership. Your servant is among your people you have chosen, a people too many to be numbered or counted. So give your servant a receptive heart to judge your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of yours?”

King Solomon truly loved the Lord and strived to obey God’s commandments. Solomon wanted to be a wise and honorable king. He also wanted the ability to rightly lead his people. Solomon admitted to God that he was young, inexperienced and possessed no leadership skills. He admitted his shortcomings and came to God asking for His help. In 2 Chronicles 1:10 NIV Solomon asked God, Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?” This verse says that Solomon simply asked God for two things - wisdom and leadership. What Solomon asked for was such an honorable request that it greatly pleased God.

Check out what happened next in 2 Chronicles 1:11-12 NIV God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.” Solomon sincerely prayed asking for God’s help. He didn’t ask for selfish things like glory, power and material wealth. Solomon simply asked God for the ability to rightly govern the nation of Israel. Solomon’s unselfish request pleased God so much that not only was he granted wisdom and leadership skills but many other blessings as well. Things that Solomon would never have dreamed of. God’s anointing on King Solomon’s life allowed him to not only be a wise leader of the Israelites but also be one of the greatest kings that ancient Israel ever had.

My friend, what about you? Are you lacking in wisdom? Do you have trouble making wise decisions? For those who might be managers or supervisors in the workplace - what about you? Are you lacking in leadership skills? Do your subordinates see you as their leader or only as a manager? Now, it seems to most of us that some folks are naturally gifted with insight and leadership ability. The truth is most people aren’t. Allow me to share a quick illustration. Playing the piano, a trumpet or an electric guitar doesn’t come naturally for most people. While these instruments do require some musical ability; mostly all three can be learned through training and experience. With enough practice a person can play these instruments fairly well. And guess what, this individual has now learned and developed a whole new range of skills.

Well, wisdom and leadership are SKILLS too that can be learned through practice and perfected through experience. King Solomon didn’t have natural leadership ability. Again he admitted to God that he was young and inexperienced. The key here is that he went to God first and asked for help. Seeking God and asking for His divine direction granted King Solomon countless blessings beyond description. God’s blessings sent Solomon on a long journey of leadership and sovereignty greatness. King Solomon's legacy is still remembered to this day.

Now, I can’t promise that you’ll possess the grand wisdom of Pres. Abraham Lincoln or the exceptional leadership of Gen. General S. Patton. But with God’s help you’ll attain enough wisdom and knowledge to be able to make wise decisions in regards to your household. At your workplace it could also be the difference between you being seen by your coworkers as a leader or just a boss. I know that you'd rather be respected and liked by your people at work instead of being despised and hated.