What If You Had One Wish
“At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, ‘Ask for whatever you want Me to give you.’” 1 Kings 3:5 (NIV)
“So give me the wisdom I need to rule your people with justice and to know the difference between good and evil. Otherwise, how would I ever be able to rule this great people of Yours?" 1 Kings 3:9 (TEV)
If you were promised one wish, what would it be? How would you respond if God came to you as He did Solomon and said, “Ask for whatever you want Me to give you.” Think about that carefully for a moment. What would you ask for? Implicit in this request is a test of your heart. What do you value most? Solomon was assuming the role of his father, David, as the new King of Israel. David had been the greatest King Israel ever had, leading the nation to the very height of its power and prosperity. To compound the pressure, Solomon was just a young man at the time. Scholars debate his age, ranging from 15 to 20 years old. His request was impressive. When given the chance to ask for anything in the world, Solomon didn’t ask for the latest model chariot or a Platinum card of unlimited wealth; he asked for wisdom – “an understanding heart” to govern God’s people and lead well.
In the New Testament, we are encouraged to ask for the same wisdom. In James 1:5 (NIV), the Bible says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
According to one Biblical source, “the ancient Hebrews associated wisdom with our modern term “skill,” even though “skill” is not a direct translation of the Hebrew term. “Skill” implies what wisdom is in actual practice: excellence in quality or expertise in the practice of one's occupation, craft, or art. People may acquire many skills in life, but the Bible focuses on human life and its God-given purpose. Therefore, a practical definition of biblical wisdom is “skill in living according to God's way of life.” Wisdom is skillful living. Solomon certainly needed that for his role as King of Israel, just as we need it today in whatever role we play.”
The Life Application Bible makes an interesting note that Solomon asked for understanding to carry out his job; he did not ask God to do the job for him. We should not ask God to do for us what He wants to do through us. Instead, we should ask God to give us the wisdom to know what to do and the courage to follow through on it.
In his commentary on this passage, Pastor Warren Wiersbe said, “The word translated "understanding" means "hearing"; Solomon wanted a "hearing heart." It can also be translated as a “discerning heart.” True understanding comes from hearing what God has to say, and to the Old Testament Jew, "hearing" meant "obeying." When the Lord speaks to us, it's not that we might study and pass judgment on what He said, but that we might obey it. An understanding heart has insight and exercises discernment with prompt obedience.
God was pleased with Solomon’s request for wisdom, for a discerning and understanding heart. He not only answered his prayer but gave him more than he could have even imagined! Look at 1 Kings 3:10-14 (TEV). It says, “The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this, and so He said to him, ‘Because you have asked for the wisdom to rule justly, instead of long life for yourself or riches or the death of your enemies, I will do what you have asked. I will give you more wisdom and understanding than anyone has ever had before or will ever have again. I will also give you what you have not asked for: all your life you will have wealth and honor, more than that of any other king. And if you obey Me and keep My laws and commands, as your father David did, I will give you a long life."
Wow! Just reading what God said to Solomon reminds me of what Paul wrote in Ephesians 3:20 (NIV) when he prayed, “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.”
Solomon was a living example of that! He became the wisest and wealthiest man in the world. It’s no wonder he would later write this in Proverbs 3:13-18 (NIV), “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.”
We all need wisdom for skillful living, to have a discerning and understanding heart. The good news is that all we need to do is ask God for it. He’s just waiting to give us the wisdom we need.
Another important part of your daily devotional is spending time with God in prayer. The Woodlands Church Prayer Board lists prayer requests submitted by our members and provides a way to send them some encouragement by using a button on the page to let them know that you prayed for them. Whether you use the Prayer Board, or pray from your heart, the goal is to build the habit of incorporating prayer into your quiet time.
Need prayer yourself? Let us know by submitting a prayer request on the Woodlands Church Prayer Board.