May 20th~A Wise Choice

Psalm 83


1 Chronicles 29:23-25

2 Chronicles 1:1


1 Kings 2:13-3:4


2 Chronicles 1:2-6


1 Kings 3:5-15


2 Chronicles 1:7-13

We finished the Psalms and continued the history of Israel. David has died and the third king has taken the throne. Though the majesty of David’s kingdom was remarkable, the riches and rule of Solomon quickly surpassed him.

In order to establish his rule, Solomon eliminated his opposition, among which were his unhappy brother Adonijah, who was planning to overthrow him, Abiathar the priest and Joab the leader of the army, who had both sworn allegiance to Adonijah, and, finally, Shimei, who had show an unfavorable disposition towards David and could not be trusted. While Solomon’s actions might have caught us by surprise, they shouldn’t. Kings have removed their enemies long before Solomon came around.

It must have been somewhat intimidating for Solomon to follow his father David, a man whom the Lord loved and blessed beyond measure and a ruler that the people cherished greatly. Yet, it was the will of God, and Solomon knew that those were big shoes to fill. Perhaps that is why, when given the chance, Solomon did not ask for long life, riches, or rule over his enemies, but instead he asked for “an understanding mind, to govern his people well and to know the difference between right and wrong” (1 Kings 3:9).

Simply put, Solomon wanted to judge God’s people rightly. Here we get a glimpse of Solomon’s maturity. Though he prayed for greater understanding, it is evident that he already understood one of the essential ingredients for becoming a good leader — wisdom.

People have sought to be wise since the beginning of time (Genesis 3:4-6). However, they have sought for wisdom in all of the wrong plaes. Since God is the only all-wise Being in the universe, it makes sense that He would be the first place we would turn to for wisdom. Thus, it is written, “If any man lacks wisdom, let him ask of God” (James 1:5), for “God gives wisdom to men; out of His mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6).

Daily Reflection

If the Lord asked you, “What do you want? Ask and I will give it to you,” how would you reply? Would you consider wisdom as an option?

Where are some places people look for wisdom? Why are these sources insufficient?

The older I’ve gotten and the more responsibilities I’ve assumed, the more I have realized my need for wisdom. Does God still grant wisdom today? Absolutely. Though He may not give you and I wisdom overnight, the Lord tells us to ask Him, for He promises to give it “generously and without reproach” (James 1:5).

How, then, do we grow in wisdom? As Solomon said, “Out of the mouth of God come knowledge and understanding.” In short, the wisdom of God is revealed in the words of God. The treasure of wisdom is found in the Scriptures. Read them, study them, meditate on them, and do them, and God will fulfill His promise.

BiAY.org | Day 140 — 225 Days to Go