Wisdom

https://odb.org/MY/2021/12/30/better-than-gold-2

I had shared before in a previous post (https://ronnielim.com/2021/09/11/choosing-god-is-choosing-wisdom/) that if given a choice like Solomon, we would probably all choose wisdom over wealth as with the former we may acquire the latter. But if we examine the issue more deeply, we will realise that actually choosing wisdom means choosing God and with that all the blessings of heaven will flow our way. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.

In real life, we are not directly asked by God to choose between wisdom and wealth. It was a question posed to Solomon, as a lesson to all, to ask whatever he wanted and God would give to him (1 Kings 3) and Solomon asked for a discerning heart to govern the people and to distinguish between right and wrong. God was pleased that Solomon asked for a discerning heart to dispense justice and not wealth or a long life or death for his enemies and because of that, God told Solomon that He will grant him a wise and discerning heart, and also what he did not ask for – wealth and honour so that there will not be an equal among kings in his lifetime.

Although God may not have asked us the question like He asked Solomon, we could apply this to our lives perhaps in this manner; the key to Solomon’s answer was that he was young and thus did not know how to carry out his duties as King. Solomon was more concerned on how best to fulfil His calling before God. He was not focused on enjoying the perks or power that his station in life brought, which is what most young kings would have done as can be seen in the bible and in human history. Solomon had a heart to do God’s will in his life and that to me was the key as to why he chose wisdom over wealth or health or the downfall of his enemies. He wanted to be able to fulfil his calling as King to the best of his ability and thus asked for a discerning heart to know right and wrong to govern his people.

I think we can all be like Solomon although God may not have spoken to us in a dream like He did with Solomon. The prayer we should all pray is for us to be given all that may be required, based on His abundant grace and mercy, so that we may be able, like Solomon, to fulfil God’s calling for our lives. Whatever is required whether it is opportunities, finance, a seminary education, a promotion, open doors – may God grant us that so we may do our part for His Kingdom. Wealth or health – all are good and well but most importantly will we ask the LORD to give us all that we need to fulfil His calling for us? We start by responding to His call and we work towards fulfilling His call and as we respond and work, may God facilitate all that we need to carry out our role and responsibilities in His Kingdom. Read 1 Kings 3:1-15 and see the heart of Solomon. May we be like Solomon that God may grant us our prayer and request like He granted Solomon. Amen