Wisdom is something King Solomon asked for… and was given as a gift from God:
Your servant is here among the people you have chosen… So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguist between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
(1 Kings 3:8-9)
Solomon humbly asked God for discernment and God gave him wisdom:
So God said to him, ‘Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for a discernment in administering justice, I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for – both riches and honor – so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings.’ “
(1 Kings 3:11-13)
Solomon is still regarded as a man of wisdom. We can learn much from studying his life and writings.
His son, Rehoboam, showed a lack of wisdom:
But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him.”
(1 Kings 12:8)
The result was division of the people and of the nation.
Interesting are some instructions of Solomon to a son… was it Rehoboam?
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,
turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,
and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,
and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,
then you will find the knowledge of God.
For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He holds victory in store for the upright,
He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.
Then you will understand what is right and just and fair – every good path.
For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.”
(Proverbs 2:1-11)
Some observations:
- Solomon asked God for wisdom… Rehoboam did not!
- Solomon displayed humility… Rehoboam did not!
- Solomon is remembered and revered… Rehoboam is not!
