Unlocking Divine Wisdom: A Modern Seeker’s Guide Inspired by Solomon

I Kings 3-4; Romans 4; Psalm 130

Guest Post:  Marcia Thorsell

I’ve read about Solomon and his wisdom many times over the years, but this time raised a question for me.  When given the opportunity to make any request of God, he asked for wisdom and an understanding heart.  Would I have done that?  Probably not.  I’d like to think I wouldn’t have asked for something trivial or completely selfish, but I don’t think I would’ve thought of asking for wisdom.  As I pondered this, my mind was flooded with verses about wisdom, these being just a few of the hundreds on the subject.

Proverbs 3:12 Happy is the man who finds wisdom and who acquires understanding.

Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is supreme, so get wisdom.  And whatever else you get, get understanding.

James 1:5  Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God – who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly – and it will be given to him.

James 4:2  You do not have because you do not ask.

I had an epiphany!  I’ve never really asked for wisdom!  Maybe I asked for wisdom about some decision to be made, but never a gift of wisdom…to walk in wisdom.  Why haven’t I?  In fact, there are probably a whole lot of things I’ve never actually asked God for!  I may have thought about it or talked about it with friends, but never got down to directly asking the one who can provide it.  That’s not very wise, is it?  It just made me realize there are things I may seek, desire, or need that I spend more time talking about and not truly and sincerely asking God for them. 

Also, Solomon, who had every reason to be prideful (he was King, conquered every kingdom around him, already wealthy, already famous, and on and on), humbled himself before God and described himself as a child who doesn’t know what he’s doing!  So moved by this humility, God responded and gave him what he requested and then gave him what he didn’t even request, riches and fame beyond anything he could have ever imagined.  The description in I Kings 4: 29-34 of Solomon’s wisdom is downright amazing!

Solomon certainly had his fleshly weaknesses, but at that crucial moment with God, he was able to discern what was really important.  I want to always see what is really important!  I want to have wisdom and discernment and walk in humility!  Don’t we need that to live in this world today?  I need it to know when to speak and when to shut up and what to say when it’s time to say it!  I need it with my husband, with my children and grandchildren, with my neighbors, with strangers.  To affect my sphere of influence for the Kingdom, I need these things!

Oh God, I may not have asked before, but I’m asking now – give me wisdom and discernment, a heart of understanding.  Help me to think like You!

Deepening Faith: Reflective Journal Prompts

1. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant decision. Did you ask God for wisdom, or did you rely on your understanding? How might asking for wisdom change the outcomes of your future decisions?
2. Marcia realized she hadn’t truly asked God for the gift of wisdom to walk in daily. Identify an area in your life where you need God’s wisdom. Commit to asking Him for this wisdom and document any changes or insights you notice.
3. Solomon’s request for wisdom led to unexpected blessings of riches and fame. Consider what you typically pray for. How can shifting your prayers towards seeking wisdom and understanding rather than material or superficial gains impact your spiritual growth?
4. Reflect on the humility of Solomon describing himself as a “child who doesn’t know what he’s doing” despite his status. How does acknowledging your vulnerabilities and limitations before God pave the way for receiving His wisdom?
5. Wisdom and discernment are crucial for interacting with the world around us. Write about a situation in your personal, professional, or spiritual life where wisdom and discernment are needed. How can you apply Solomon’s example to seek divine guidance in these situations?

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