Solomon: A Man Who Was Wise for Awhile

Pretend for a moment that you have just found an old dusty oil lamp.  As you begin to rub off the dirt, a puff of smoke wafts out and a genie magically appears. He promises one wish only.  What would you say?  Of course that isn’t too likely to ever happen, but it does pose an interesting question.

David was father to over 20 sons. Amnon, the firstborn was murdered by the third son, Absalom, who also died an untimely death.  Adonijah was then the oldest son in line. His kingship was supported by David’s general, Joab, and Abiathar, the priest. However, Nathan and Bathsheba had different ideas. They convinced David to name his son Solomon as successor to the throne because it was God’s will. Before long young Solomon became sole owner of the throne. “The kingdom was now firmly established in Solomon’s hands” (1 Kings 2:46).

One day the Lord appeared to Solomon and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you” (1 Kings 3:5).  Solomon answered, “I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. . . . Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong” (3:7-9).  “The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this” (3:10).  God was pleased because Solomon had not asked for wealth or long life as most people would. God said, “I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be” (3:12).  To that blessing, God also promised wealth and a long life: “If you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands. . . I will give you a long life” (3:14). Solomon died at about age 60.

God’s gift became a reality. The people “held the king in awe, because they saw that he had wisdom from God” (3:28), and, “His fame spread to all the surrounding nations” (4:31).  Additionally, he spoke 3,000 proverbs and wrote 1,005 songs.  Truly Solomon was a man greatly blessed by the Lord.

God’s wisdom far surpasses our human knowledge.  It provides the discernment of knowledge, the application and appreciation that goes far beyond just reciting facts and figures. True wisdom is knowing how to use the knowledge one has.  True wisdom is only available in the Lord. The world thinks it has a monopoly on intelligence. It worships at the feet of the so-called experts who have countless degrees and who place themselves high above everyone else.  How ironic it is that a simple person who trusts in the Lord far surpasses any of the geniuses of the day in true wisdom.  Real wisdom starts with the Lord “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111:10). “To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness” (Ecclesiastes 2:26).

For a man of such wisdom, Solomon lived his life unwisely.  He did not use the gift to walk in the way of the Lord, and when he refused to use it properly, it did neither him nor his people any good.  We can learn much from this wise fool.  God’s gifts are promised to us, they are given to us, and they are entrusted to us.  As stewards of those gifts, they will be precious only if they are used properly. When we misuse those gifts, they become worthless to us and those around us.

We pray that we might be good stewards of the wisdom God has given each of us.  How precious is wisdom?  Solomon once knew the answer to that question when he wrote, “Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor” (Proverbs 4:5-9).

 Prayer thought: Pray today that God would grant you wisdom in all you do and say.  

(From the book “Real People: Meditations on 101 People of the Bible” by Reynold R. Kremer)