The Leadership ChallengeSample
Challenge 18
SOLOMON: MAKING WISE CHOICES
READ: 1 Kings 3:1–28
It’s common to say that someone was the “wisdom of Solomon.” Our reading is the source of this saying. After Solomon takes over the kingship from his father David, God comes to him in a dream and asks him what he wants. No conditions. What would you have asked for? God would have granted him riches, fame, or power but Solomon asks for wisdom to rule over God’s people and to choose between right and wrong. The Lord is pleased with Solomon’s choice and gives him not only wisdom but also the wealth and honor he did not request. And God grants one conditional promise: if Solomon walks with God and keeps God’s law, he will be given a long life. What follows is a famous story about a dispute between two women that illustrates Solomon’s wisdom.
Wisdom and ethical discernment are certainly two critical skills any military leader should seek from the Lord. How would you describe Solomon’s character qualities, both good and bad, as displayed in our reading? How can you learn to make wise choices and discern right from wrong as a leader? Where do we find God’s wisdom today?
Scripture
About this Plan
The Bible doesn’t discuss leadership like a popular business book. However, since God is the creator of everything that exists as well as the rules and processes by which everything works, the Scriptures do provide principles and examples that give us insight and wisdom into effective leadership. The social and cultural backgrounds of the Bible are different than ours, but the Scriptures contain truth that transcends time and space.
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