THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON · Day 1 of 14
The Gift of Wisdom
Lesson 1 is open — see what the Journey gives you
1 · READ THE TEXT
1 Kings 3:5-15 & James 1:5
1 Kings 3:5-15
Open in the reader →5In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. 6And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. 7And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. 8And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. 9Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? 10And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. 11And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; 12Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. 13And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. 14And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days. 15And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all his servants.
James 1:5
Open in the reader →5If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
2 · UNDERSTAND
At Gibeon, God offers Solomon anything he asks for. The young king does not ask for long life, wealth or the death of his enemies: he asks for "a listening heart" (lev shomea in Hebrew) to discern between good and evil. Biblical wisdom starts there — it is not a pile of information, it is the ability to listen before deciding. James takes up the same promise and extends it to anyone: whoever lacks wisdom should ask God, who gives generously and without reproach. The first step of the wise, then, is admitting that they do not know.
3 · REFLECT AND ANSWER
Read the text again and answer calmly. Your answers are kept only in this browser.
- 1.What does this text reveal about who God is?
- 2.What does it show about people — and about you?
- 3.What will you do differently today because of it?
4 · LIVE AND PRAY
Practical application
Pick a decision you have been putting off and, before settling it, listen to two people involved without interrupting. Only then decide.
Lesson prayer
Lord, give me a listening heart like Solomon's. May I never mistake a strong opinion for wisdom, and may I have the courage to ask for help before I judge. Amen.
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