In Matthew 6:33 AMPC, we read the following words in brackets: “…His ways of doing and being right…” To my mind, that is a beautiful definition of what wisdom is. The Quest Study Bible describes wisdom as being a skill, a skill of adapting ones life to the pattern of God. Of living a life that honors God.

In 1 Kings 3 we read that God appeared to the young king Solomon in a dream and asked him what He could give him.  And Solomon said: “I am but a lad in wisdom and experience. I do not know how to begin or how to finish.” Such humility! It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this and according to the Scriptures He rewarded him with riches and honor.  How glorious it must have been for the young king to experience firsthand that God is true to His Word. Hallelujah!!

God’s promise to Solomon did not end there.  In 1 Kings 3:14 Solomon is challenged: “IF you will go My way, keep My statutes and My commandments, then I will lengthen your days.”  We read in the Scriptures that God gave Solomon exceptionally much wisdom and understanding and that his wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the people of the East and all the wisdom of Egypt. His fame was in all the nation’s roundabouts.

Solomon was chosen to build the Lord’s house and when he had finished building it, the Lord hallowed it and said: “I have put My Name and My Presence there forever. My eyes and My heart shall be there perpetually and IF you will walk in integrity of heart, keeping My statutes, I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever.” (paraphrased) Awesome!! These are the promises we can stand on IF we walk in God’s ways and if we adapt our lives according to the pattern of God, living a life that honors Him!

However, towards the latter days of Solomon’s life, he turned away from God’s ways, following after the gods of his pagan wives. In spite of God’s warnings, Solomon clung to them in love and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God. Sadly Solomon “lost” his kingdom, but God in His mercy, did not take it from him while he was alive, for the sake of David, his father. He reigned over all of Israel for 40 years, died and was buried in the city of David.

In Proverbs 8:11 we read: “For wisdom is more precious than rubies and nothing you desire can be more precious than her.”

God’s character is clearly reflected in Solomon’s life.  He is faithful, but just. He is longsuffering and His mercy endures forever. 

I hope that the story of Solomon has encouraged you to take God at His Word, also when Paul says in Philippians 4:13, “I have strength for all things in Christ who empowers me, (I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency)

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you that You empower me to adapt my life to Your ways.  Thank you that I can stand on Your promises, because You are the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Amen.