Discerning the Wisdom of God

The Wisdom of God

1 Kings 3:1-14

“I have given you a wise and discerning heart.”

How do we decide what is right when confronted with the complexity of life’s options? Where do we turn to find discernment between the conflicting moral viewpoints proliferating in today’s world?  
As Solomon sensed the tremendous task before him, he was overwhelmed with a sense of inadequacy and humility. His Father, David, had not only established the nation of Israel, but he also had a special relationship with God. Moreover, God had made an everlasting covenant with God and blessed his life and reign. How could he follow in such footsteps? How could he lead a nation chosen by God and built upon such great men of faith as Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Samuel, and David? Solomon faced the challenge of leading a nation growing rapidly in population and influence within the Ancient Near East. Yet, remarkably, in a dream, the Lord appeared to Solomon and said, “Ask what you wish Me to give you.”  Feeling the weight of the task set before him, instead of asking for riches, honor, or power, he asks for an understanding heart to discern between good and evil (vs. 9). This is a remarkable prayer by a remarkable man in remarkable circumstances.
In response, God answers with a promise that he will give Solomon a wise and discerning heart. Wisdom is more than just the ability to discern the best option and the best way to achieve the option. Wisdom is the ability to respond to and live within God’s moral order. This moral law is an expression of his character, revealed in his word, and engrained within his creation. This wisdom has the fear of the Lord as the foundation.  
Because of his request, Solomon became widely known in the Ancient Near East and history for his wisdom and discernment. He would not only reign with wisdom but, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he would write much of the literature in the Bible that became known as “the wisdom literature.” We find his writings in the books Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. He would write over 3000 proverbs and 1,005 songs (1 Kings 4:29-34), all of which were a testimony not of his wisdom but of the wisdom that God had given him (4:29). It was this knowledge of God's moral law of right and wrong, fair, and unfair, justice and injustice, that enabled Solomon to lead the nation into its golden era when it would reach the zenith of its extent and influence.
As we read through the story of Solomon and the Proverbs he wrote, we become envious of his wisdom. In an era of moral confusion, unending options, and daily struggles, we sometimes wish we had the same offer from God. Yet, in James 1:5-8, the same offer for wisdom God extended to Solomon also extends to us. As we face trials, struggles, and uncertainty in our lives and the options set before us, God invites us to ask him for wisdom. Just as he responded to Solomon’s request, he responds to our request.  
However, to receive this wisdom, we must ask in faith, not wavering in doubt. Doubt comes when we do not trust in God and question his word. When we reject God’s wisdom we become lost in the murky ocean of moral ambiguity. We lack wisdom and are plagued by confusion because we doubt his word and reject what he has already revealed. Instead of trusting in God, who is infinitely wise, we often turn to men who are ultimately fools. The result is that we miss the opportunity for wisdom. When we struggle to discern what to do, we need to start with prayer and then turn to the pages of Scripture where God has revealed his wisdom to us. The first step in navigating the complexities of life choices is prayer and the study of God’s word. In them, God gives us his wisdom which is always accurate and right for he is a God of wisdom who is the source of all wisdom.