Wisdom To Praise
4 The king went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, for that was the most important high place, and Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 5 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.” 6 Solomon answered, “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day. 7 “Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” (1 Kings 3:4-9)
Once Solomon was established as king, God gave him the opportunity of a lifetime - the permission to ask God for anything. Solomon's answer showed that he already had humility and wisdom, but he asked specifically for the wisdom to govern well and to know what's right. God was so pleased with Solomon's request that God vowed to give Solomon the wisdom he requested along with the wealth and honor that he didn't request. Solomon became well known and highly regarded for his ability to discern wisely. Solomon also built a temple for God in seven years, but he took thirteen years to build a palace for himself. Perhaps that was an indication of Solomon's changing heart because, unfortunately, Solomon eventually turned from serving the people to serving himself - he became a prisoner to lust and idolatry.
Amazingly, we have the same privilege that Solomon had - we can ask God for anything. Notice that God didn't say that Solomon would necessarily be given whatever he asked for. God honored Solomon's request because God was pleased with Solomon's heart. We, like Solomon, also have the propensity to misuse God's good gifts and blessings. The fact that God knows this - knows the best and the worst in us - and chooses to bless us anyway is a miracle worthy of our utmost gratitude. Biblical narratives show us God's continuous love and faithfulness in the face of humanity's continuous unfaithfulness and sin. Our own lives are also evidence of how God keeps forgiving us when we sin, picking us up when we fall, and saving us from ourselves. We don't need the wisdom of Solomon to see that we owe God all honor and glory for God's steadfast, matchless, love, grace, and faithfulness.
1 Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. 2 Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them. 3 Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever. 4 He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds; the LORD is gracious and merciful. 5 He provides food for those who fear him; he is ever mindful of his covenant. 6 He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations. 7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. 8 They are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness. 9 He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name. 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever. (Psalm 111)
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