Wisdom

9 Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?" 10 It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. 11 God said to him, "Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, 12 I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you. 13 I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor all your life; no other king shall compare with you. (1 Kings 3:9-13)

After the death of King David, Solomon became king, and out of gratitude, he regularly made sacrifices to God. When Solomon went to Gibeon to make these sacrifices, he had a dream. God appeared to Solomon and gave him the opportunity to ask for anything (v 3). Solomon did not ask for material possessions - he asked for wisdom. And not just wisdom for his own sake, but the ability to govern the people well. God was so pleased with this request that God gave Solomon what he asked for as well as the wealth and fame he did not request.

Even with the wisdom and gifts of bounty that God had given Solomon, he was far from perfect. It's important to remember that "the tree of knowledge is not the tree of life" (Lord Byron). May we seek the giver of all good gifts more earnestly than we seek the gifts.

15 Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, 16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil. 17 So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts. 20 giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 5:15-20)