“And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” (1 Kings 3:6-9)

Wisdom is something all people seek. Many think it comes with age, experience, or education, but true wisdom comes from God alone. When Solomon became King of Israel, he asked the Lord for wisdom, or understanding. He possessed worldly knowledge but knew he needed the wisdom of the Lord if he was to govern the people of God. He asked to have a discerning heart so he could properly distinguish between right and wrong, between truth and error so that he could make decisions and laws which were godly and just.

The most important thing that Solomon knew was that he needed God’s help. This in fact, is the beginning of wisdom. Wisdom is the choice to follow and trust by faith in God for all things, for all answers, in all circumstances. The wisdom that this choice reflects produces the knowledge necessary for making choices that produce peace and prosperity. Thus, God granted Solomon wisdom plus riches and honor.

Today many people think they are wise but they do not know God. They have turned their backs on Him and rejected His Word, rejected His way of salvation and peace, Jesus Christ. Thus all those who seem wise in the ways of the world, great scientists, professionals, politicians, all who possess academic degrees, awards, charisma, and fame lack true wisdom if they do not have faith in Jesus, for they lack the humility to admit they need God’s help. On the other hand, even the lowliest of Christian believers is wise by faith in Jesus because they know they are sinners saved by His grace and mercy.