Getting Wisdom

The LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 2:6

Solomon, the son of King David and Bathsheba, was a godly man. One night God said to Solomon, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!” (2 Chronicles 1:7).

There were many things Solomon could have asked for. He could have asked for a bigger kingdom, more power, or endless riches. But he didn’t. He said, “O LORD God, please continue to keep your promise to David my father, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth! Give me the wisdom and knowledge to lead them properly, for who could possibly govern this great people of yours?” (2 Chronicles 1:9-10). Because God was pleased by Solomon’s request, he said he’d give Solomon not only wisdom but also riches and fame.

Wisdom is more than just being smart. Memorizing facts and formulas doesn’t make you wise. Wisdom means knowing how to apply the lessons you learn from past experiences, your knowledge, and your good decision-making skills to your present circumstance. Solomon had a lot to say about wisdom in the book of Proverbs. For example, he said, “Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold” (Proverbs 3:13-14). Although Solomon had a lot of power and wealth, he believed that having wisdom was the best.

Solomon asked for wisdom in order to rule the people better. You can ask God for wisdom for your own life so you can know how to handle the situations you face. What should you do about the friend who is angry with you? How should you deal with a problem with your sister? What should you do about the teacher who doesn’t seem to like you? How can you help a friend who is hurting? When you seek God’s answers to these problems, you will gain wisdom. God’s wisdom is the best kind. The Bible says, “The wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere” (James 3:17). Ask God to fill you with that kind of wisdom.

The book of Proverbs is filled with wisdom. Why not read through it? Read chapter one on the first day of the month. If you read one chapter a day, you can read through the whole book in a month.