Wisdom: With Bible Study Fellowshipনমুনা

Audio Teaching

Listen to deeper insights and practical applications from days 1-5.

Solomon’s Great Wisdom

Verse 28 confirms that reports spread of Solomon’s astounding ruling. Soon all Israel acknowledges Solomon has God’s wisdom to administer justice. Picture the people’s relief to be confident in Solomon’s kingship.

1 Kings 4:29-34 summarizes some other reasons why Israel “held the king in awe.” We learn, for example, that God blesses Solomon with intellectual curiosity. Israel’s king delights in words, music, design, botany, and zoology. He has an uncanny insight into human nature and relationships.

Wiser than all his renowned contemporaries, Solomon’s fame spreads quickly to the surrounding nations. People travel great distances to hear him. Other kings send envoys to listen to Solomon’s wisdom.

Consider the vast store of knowledge of ancient Egypt and the ancient cultures of Asia. Only the infinite, unchanging God gives such good and perfect gifts.(1) Yet not even they could match Solomon’s wisdom! As God promised, Solomon’s wisdom and breadth of understanding surpassed all others.

Solomon’s Greatest Honor

God calls ordinary people; He places us where we can bring Him extraordinary glory. And, wherever we are, God’s children can hear and obey our Good Father. He intends every command, both negative and positive, for our good.(2)

Whatever your gifts and abilities, no greater honor exists than knowing Jesus and making Him known to the world. Solomon’s father, David, the warrior king, pointed toward Jesus as the matchless King who rescues His people and establishes His kingdom. Solomon’s reign pointed to Jesus’ eternal reign in joy and peace. Imperfectly but powerfully, Solomon’s reign hinted at the Messiah’s glorious kingdom marked by:

- Wisdom – Solomon was wise; Jesus embodied divine wisdom.(3)

- Peace – Solomon reigned in peace; Jesus guarantees His people His eternal peace.(4)

- Satisfaction – Solomon’s people enjoyed satisfaction; Jesus promises to satisfy us personally and forever.(5)

Solomon’s God

Solomon’s life displays human greatness, human weakness, and God’s matchless grace. As in Solomon’s day, the culture around us constantly tempts us to settle for the quickest solutions and short-term satisfaction, but Solomon took the long-term view. He asked God for wisdom and went to work.

Solomon teaches us the truly wise person will humbly (although imperfectly) follow God.Does God’s grace to make this possible astonish you? God grows our love and wisdom as we depend on His Spirit for the desire and strength to obey.

Will you ask God to help you comprehend His amazing grace to you? Whatever wisdom God reveals, take hold of it! Turn from any misleading source, seek God’s forgiveness, and trust Him for power to change and grow.(6)

Questions & Insights

1. (NOTE: Read 1 Kings 4 :29-34 to help answer today’s questions.) What about this description of Solomon’s wisdom stands out to you, and why?
   
   Insights: 1 Kings 4:29-34: “God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. He was wiser than anyone else, including Ethan the Ezrahite – wiser than Heman, Kalkol and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations. He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. He spoke about plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also spoke about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. 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.” Solomon’s wisdom – God-given (4:29); measureless (4:29-30); greater than anyone else (4:31). In good sense it produced 3,000 proverbs (4:32); in art, 1,005 songs (4:32); in variety, covering every subject (4:33); in fame, attractive worldwide (4:31, 34).
2. Compare Solomon’s wisdom with the kinds of accomplishments the world applauds. What differences do you find, and how do you account for them?
3. What is wise for you to remember from these verses and apply to your relationship with God?

Related Verses

1. God’s perfect gifts: Jas 1:17
2. Good commands: Ps 19:7-13; 1 John 3:2-3; 5:2-4
3. Wisdom: Pro 8:22-31; John 1:1-3, 17-18; Col 2:2-3
4. Peace: Isa 9:6; John 14:27; Rom 5:1-2
5. Satisfaction: John 4:14; 6:35; 10:10
6. God forgives: Ps 130:3-4, 7; 1 John 1:5-9

Reflect

We’ve reached a time in our study to pause and look back at what we’ve discovered during the past five days. Let the two points below guide your reflection and help you grow.

Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” How does this truth (written by Solomon) play out in the verses we studied, in your life, or in the lives of those around you?

How has this study changed your view on your circumstances, choices, or desired outcomes? If you want to continue in the study of Wisdom - including a deep dive into Scripture, questions, study notes and audio teaching - download the WordGo app.