Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule: 1 Kings 3-5
Devotional Thought:
Proverbs, mostly written by Solomon is a book of practical wisdom. Here in 1 Kings 3 we find the story behind how Solomon was given his wisdom. It is an interesting question for all of us to ponder. Do people today really want true wisdom? Are there any truly wise men and women within society serving in governmental, business, educational, and other leadership positions? How many husbands and wives are there who possess genuine wisdom, who develop wise relationships between themselves and with their children? Wisdom has been defined as “knowledge applied or knowledge put to action.” Wisdom is the ability to understand and to discern what to do, how to do it, and when to do it. Wisdom is biblically knowing what to do and doing it. Wisdom knows right from wrong, and chooses to do what is right. Wisdom recognizes wickedness (Proverbs 5-6) and wants nothing to do with sin and evil. Wisdom knows what is responsible behavior and turns away from all acts of irresponsibility. Wisdom was the great concern and testimony of grace shown to Solomon. Remember that Solomon had just established the authority of his throne. He had shattered the rebellion, a coup against the throne by executing all the powerful, influential conspirators who had supported the uprising of Adonijah. The nation was now unified under his leadership, and peace swept through the land. King David had recently died, and Solomon sat all alone upon the throne of his father. Sensing deep inadequacy and helplessness to handle the task that lay out before him, he felt the need to seek the face of the LORD. He desperately needed wisdom, a very special ability to understand and to discern what to do as he governed the great nation Israel. How sad it is that Solomon did not recognize later in his life his dependence upon God. How sad for us that when things are going really well, we forget how desperately we need the Lord in our lives as well. In verses 6-9, Solomon explains why he desires wisdom. He watched the wisdom of his father David to walk before the Lord in truth and righteousness, and to maintain an upright heart to please the Lord. He saw the kindness, grace, and mercy of the Lord to give him a son to sit on the throne after him. He saw the magnitude of his new responsibility and knew he was not able to lead the people on his own. Verse ten says, “his speech pleased the Lord.” God was pleased that he had not asked for long life, riches, or retaliation, but rather had asked for wisdom. Because of this God also gave him the promise that he would have riches and honor that would exceed all other kings of the earth all his days. God also gave this exhortation, “And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.” (vs. 14) What a challenge for us regarding the need for wisdom and the only source for which we can get it. Are we spending time gaining wisdom from the Bible? Do we see the need? Are we demonstrating a life of dependence upon God? Do we think we can lead those God puts into our lives on our own? We ALL need wisdom!
Personal Requests:
• Lord, please help me to see and acknowledge my need for you every day in my life. I need you even when things are going well. Thank you for your faithfulness to the promises of your word. Oh how they bring me comfort, direction, and peace.
• Lord, thank you for your word! It is certainly a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. It is truly the source of all life.
• Lord, please help me to demonstrate a life of wisdom. May I desire to live the life of David, a life of truth, righteousness, and uprightness of heart. May people see Jesus in me.