Wisdom: With Bible Study FellowshipSample

God’s Response

Solomon’s request reveals that he knows his own weakness. His good upbringing, knowledge, experience, and skill aren’t enough. He needs ongoing insight that God alone can give.

Solomon’s humble, earnest request pleases God. Back in verse 5, God said, “ask for whatever you want …” So, the king could have asked for anything! Power. Protection. Pleasure. In verse 11, God lists other requests we might have expected:

- long life

- personal wealth

- enemies’ death

Instead, Solomon humbly requests wisdom – a mind and spirit to know God’s way to live and to lead.

God’s Abundant Gift

In verse 12, God the omniscient, all-knowing One, graciously responds. God knows everything that is and all that is not – past, present, and future. From God’s immeasurable wisdom, He will grant Solomon’s request for “discernment in administering justice.”

God’s gift is abundant. He graciously promises to give Solomon unrivaled wisdom, wealth, and honor. He also says Solomon would enjoy a long life if he obeys God like his father David had done. Solomon’s “wise and discerning heart” and other gifts from God will make him incomparable to all contemporary kings.

As God’s plan for Solomon’s life continues to unfold, his wise, faithful leadership will display the reality of God’s glorious kingdom to the world. God brought him to the throne at a time when the nation flourished and faced hardly any fear of enemy attacks. History records the period of Solomon’s reign as Israel’s “golden age” – its high point in peace, prosperity, and size. From that time until today, God continues to use Solomon’s wisdom and legacy to bless people.

Jesus is Wisdom

True wisdom begins with reverence for God. God’s wisdom conveys increasing knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment to carry out the proper action. God gives people specific wisdom about salvation through His Word and Holy Spirit.

Today, the long-awaited Savior is revealed – the Lord Jesus. He is everything our hearts can most deeply want and most greatly need forever. Is this wisdom what you want most in life? How do your desires align with God’s desires for you?

Questions & Insights

1. Which of God’s character traits and abilities are revealed by His response? List as many as you discover.
   
   
   Insights: God is gracious, generous, almighty, wise, and kind. He is the giver of every good gift. God is the source and supplier of wisdom and all things.
   
2. Solomon possessed God-given wisdom, wealth, and honor beyond all other people. So how could Solomon fail to “walk in obedience” to God, neglecting to keep His decrees and commands? What does your response suggest about our true problem and needs?
3. What has it pleased God to give you that you have asked for? Pause and write or say a prayer of praise and thanks for these good gifts now.