I am currently preaching through the life of Israel’s third king, Solomon. As the primary author of Proverbs, he is perhaps best-known for his insight and wisdom. His acquisition of this wisdom is a fascinating and instructive story.
Near the beginning of his reign, Solomon fell into a deep sleep. In his dream, the Lord appeared with an extraordinary proposition: "Ask for whatever you want me to give you." Imagine that moment—a divine blank check, an opportunity to request anything the heart desires.
Many would have seized this chance for personal gain—wealth beyond measure, long life, victory over enemies. Yet Solomon's response revealed his true character. "I am only a little child," he confessed, acknowledging his inadequacy for the task at hand. "Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong"
God was pleased. Not only did He grant Solomon unparalleled wisdom, but He also added what Solomon didn't request—wealth, honor, and the promise of long life if he remained obedient.
This story invites us to honest self-reflection. If God appeared to us tonight with the same offer, what would we ask for? Would our requests reveal hearts aligned with God's purposes or preoccupied with our comfort and advancement?
Solomon understood what many of us miss—that wisdom is the foundation for everything else in life. But how do we acquire such wisdom?
Solomon's story reveals four essential principles. First, we must ask for it deliberately. Wisdom doesn't come accidentally; it must be sought with intention. As James would later write, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault."
Second, we must recognize God as wisdom's generous source. Many mistakenly view God as reluctant to give, but Solomon knew differently. He had witnessed God's kindness to his father David and understood that God delights in giving good gifts to His children. Scripture consistently describes God as a God who wants to give.
Third, we must approach God with humble acknowledgment of our need. Solomon called himself "a little child" despite being a grown man. This childlike humility—this recognition of our limitations—creates the space for wisdom to enter.
Finally, we must value wisdom appropriately. Solomon would later write that wisdom is "more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold... more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her."
In another of his Proverbs Solomon reveals the ultimate source of wisdom, "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." True wisdom isn't merely intellectual prowess or practical know-how. It's the alignment of our hearts and minds with God's, allowing His perspective to transform our decisions and actions. When we pursue this kind of wisdom, our lives usher in peace, hope, and joy to both ourselves and to the world around us.
In a culture obsessed with wealth, power, and pleasure, Solomon's choice stands as a timeless reminder of what matters most. Perhaps today, we too need to reconsider what we're asking for.
