If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you (James 1:5 NIV).

Solomon, king of Israel, is considered the wisest man who ever lived. He was the son of David and reigned for forty years during an era of peace and prosperity. One night God appeared to him in a dream and said, “Ask for what you want, and I will give it to you.” Solomon knew he needed God’s help to rule his kingdom and replied, “Give me the wisdom to lead Your people.” Delighted with Solomon’s request, God gave him wisdom beyond measure. And because Solomon did not ask for wealth and honor, God gave them to him as well.

King Solomon’s most famous display of wisdom was when two harlots came to him to settle a dispute. Both women had infant sons, and they lived in the same house. While they were sleeping, one of the mothers rolled over on her baby, and he died. She got up during the night, took the other woman’s son from her side, and replaced him with her lifeless son. The following morning, the woman woke up to nurse her baby and discovered he was dead. However, after examining him, she knew he was not her son. Solomon listened to the women as they argued back and forth, both claiming to be the mother of the living child. Then, the king called for a sword.

He then gave an order: “Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.” The woman whose son was alive was deeply moved out of love for her son and said to the king, “Please, my lord, give her the living baby! Don't kill him!” But the other said, “Neither I nor you shall have him. Cut him in two!” Then the king gave his ruling: "Give the living baby to the first woman. Do not kill him; she is his mother"(1 Kings 3:25-27).

Solomon’s wise verdict confirmed that God had answered his prayer for wisdom. Solomon’s wisdom became known throughout the world, and no other king equaled him in wealth and honor.[i]

He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. From all nations people came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom (1 Kings 4:32,34).

We learn from Solomon that wisdom is valuable and that God wants His children to have it. But first, we need to know the meaning of wisdom. Simply stated, it is using the knowledge we have to make the right choices.

“Knowledge is what is gathered over time through study of the Scriptures. It can be said that wisdom, in turn, acts properly upon that knowledge. Wisdom is the fitting application of knowledge. Knowledge understands the light has turned red; wisdom applies the brakes. Knowledge sees the quicksand; wisdom walks around it. Knowledge memorizes the Ten Commandments; wisdom obeys them. Knowledge learns of God; wisdom loves Him.” [ii]

Now that we know what wisdom is, how do we gain it? It begins with the fear or reverence of God and a relationship with Jesus Christ. The Bible is full of knowledge and wisdom literature, and if we study the Scriptures and apply them to our lives, we can be wise. Perhaps a good place to start is the book of Proverbs, written mainly by Solomon, that gives us practical advice for everyday living. Additionally, if we need wisdom for a specific problem or trial, the Bible says to ask God for it, and He will give it generously. Jesus’ life on earth also provides us with a living demonstration of wisdom; Colossians 2:3 says that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are found in Jesus. Whether we need it to make life decisions, manage our finances, or avoid temptation, Jesus can give us the wisdom to help us make the right choices.

Heavenly Father, this message has shown me the value of wisdom and my continual need of it. I am thankful for the wisdom of Jesus, the One greater than Solomon, who can give me the ability to make the right choices and decisions in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Endnotes

[i] 1 Kings 4:32 Life Application Study Bible 

[ii] “What is the difference between wisdom and knowledge?” GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/wisdom-knowledge.html.