The Bible Course Muestra

The King, the Dream, and the Baby – the wisdom of Solomon 

Reflect  

‘If you could ask God for one thing, what would that be?’ Now that’s a conversation starter! Maybe try it around the dinner table with family or with friends on Zoom!  

How we answer this question shows us where our hearts are. King Solomon did not have to dream up this moment. He lived it. His answer revealed a deep and right desire.  

He had walked in the ways of his father David (verse 3), and devoted himself to God with lavish offerings (verse 4). Now God meets Solomon with a most unexpected invitation.  

What can we learn from Solomon in this moment before God?  

Daunted and afraid, Solomon falls to his knees; he feels his inadequacy deeply (verses 7–8). God isn’t insulted by Solomon’s doubt and fear. Instead, He provides the resource he needs. You may today be feeling the pinch of inadequacy or overwhelming fear at a task or a situation before you. Remember God is near and has the resource you need.   

Solomon asks for a discerning heart (verse 9). This pleased the heart of God (verse 10). Solomon knew that above everything, wisdom is the way to live and lead well.  

Solomon is presented with an impossible situation. What does his response teach us today?  

Our sin-fractured world can leave us in deeply complex and painful moments. Wisdom does not take us out of the pain; rather it teaches us how to navigate it well. In the story, Solomon’s wisdom preserves a child’s life and prevents injustice. Wisdom does this. It’s the foundation to doing good to others and the world in which we live.  

Solomon will later write on his Twitter page (in Proverbs) that the ‘fear of the Lord’ is the beginning of all wisdom (Proverbs 1.7). To want wisdom means to look to God. In a messy and complex world, there can be no better place to turn. You may feel daunted and afraid. You may feel overwhelmed at the complexities of life and wonder how you can make it through or make a difference. Remember God is with you. Remember wisdom begins with Him.   

Respond 

How can you apply the wisdom of God found in the Bible to do good to the world around you today?