King Solomon Knew Enough To Rely On Divine Wisdom

King David was dying. Unknown to him, his son, Adonijah, had declared himself to be the next king of Israel. Adonijah had the support of Joab (commander of the army) and of Abiathar (the priest). David discovered this plot and immediately declared Solomon as the next king over Israel. Solomon was duly anointed and known for his wisdom. That is how he became the new king of Israel.

Solomon remembered the final words of his father, David, “Be strong. Walk in God’s ways. Keep God’s laws and commandments. Remain faithful to God. Trust God’s guidance in all things.” Good advice for Solomon. Good advice for us today.

One Wish — As Solomon began his reign as king, God granted him one wish. Solomon responded, “I wish for Your divine wisdom.” God granted Solomon his wish. If God granted us one wish, what would we wish for?

Wisdom — is the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, between good and evil. Wisdom originates with the God who is all-wise. Divine wisdom originates with the God who fully knows all things, and who fully understands the difference between right and wrong, good and evil, what is best and what is not. God’s wisdom is not limited by time or space. God’s wisdom is always accurate and correct. Human “wisdom” is always limited, always slanted and biased, always tends to lead us away from God.

Solomon was soon put to the test. Two women claimed the same baby — whose was it? Solomon placed the baby on a table and took out his sword, “I have a simple solution. I’ll cut the baby in two and give each of you half. No! Don’t harm the baby; give him to the other woman,” cried one of the women. Solomon knew then who the real mother was. The story spread like wildfire throughout the kingdom, and to surrounding countries.

Solomon was humble enough to recognize his sinful nature, his human limitations and his need for God’s guidance. The same should be true for us today!

Solomon’s “wisdom” is available to us in the Book of Proverbs, a collection of wise sayings dealing with all aspects of life. “Reverence for God is where wisdom originates.” “Only a fool would reject divine wisdom, and rely only on their human wisdom.” “A soft answer turns aside wrath.” “Wine and strong drink will lead a person away from God.” “Train a child in the ways of God, and when they are older they will remember their teachings.”

Relying on divine wisdom, King Solomon fulfilled his father’s dream of building a temple to honor God. He ruled fairly, honestly and wisely for many years, and God blessed his reign.

Relying on God’s wisdom is the only way to live. Let’s be humble enough to rely on God.

Wisdom is the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, between good and evil. Wisdom originates with the God who is all-wise. Divine

wisdom originates with the God who fully knows all things, and who fully understands the difference between right and wrong, good and evil, what is best and what is not. God’s wisdom is not limited by time or space. God’s wisdom is always accurate and correct. Human ‘wisdom’ is always limited, always slanted and biased, always

tends to lead us away from God.