The Worth of Wisdom

“Solomon answered God…'Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?’”
2 Chronicles 1:8a; 10

The definition and application of wisdom has become somewhat muddled and watered down over the years. In fact, wisdom is typically defined today as the accumulated information of knowledge. Therefore, most people view wisdom through a non-specific, generalized lens. But this is a narrow and incomplete perception. To appreciate what wisdom entails mankind must fundamentally grasp where wisdom originates: God. Humanity is not the foundation of vast intellect and intelligence; God is. We should never disassociate wisdom from its divine source, but sadly this is often what we do. The more we attempt to delink wisdom as being a holy attribute of the Lord the more we become susceptible to the temptation to embrace prideful, self-empowerment ideology.   

This is partly why the context and content of 2 Chronicles 1 is so compelling. Solomon was God’s choice to succeed David as king of Israel. David certainly set a lofty standard for his son to follow. The person Scripture attributes as being after God’s own heart left an enduring legacy of bravery, faith, and a fierce devotion to the Lord. But Solomon was clearly eager to advance the godly walk of his father, as evidenced in 2 Chronicles 1, when Solomon’s civil reign took effect. Per 2 Chronicles 1, one of Solomon first acts was to gather with the military commanders and family elders at Gibeon, where the Tent of Meeting resided at the time, and lead the people in an extensive sacrificial gift: a thousand burnt offerings (2 Chronicles 1:6)  

Why a thousand burnt offerings instead of one? Maybe one burnt offering wasn’t sufficient for Solomon to convey how grateful he was for his elevated position. Maybe he was so thankful for his leadership blessing that his heart demanded a way to publicly recognize God’s blessing upon his life. Realize that Solomon didn’t haphazardly stumble into worship; he came aptly prepared as he made arrangements to travel to Gideon. And this was not a quick, impersonal observance. It likely took some time to perform a thousand burnt offerings. But Solomon was primed and ready to glorify God through a sizeable offering, as well as show others the proof of his adoration of God. 

That night God appeared to Solomon in a dream at Gideon and the Lord posed a most astounding offer to Solomon: ask for anything you want. Imagine if God spontaneously presented us this same proposal. Would our natural desire to be to ask for something honorable? Or would we revert to something which appeals to our fleshly desires? In asking for wisdom Solomon chose nobility over narcissism. Some might argue that Solomon’s request was still somewhat egotistical in nature, in that he asked for an enhanced personal cognitive ability, but Scripture denotes that the reason Solomon longed for a divine infusion of mental acumen was so that he could rightly, and better, govern God’s covenantal people (2 Chronicles 1:10). Consequently, the genesis of Solomon’s wisdom petition was not self-serving; it was servant-oriented.      

Solomon had a most dignified beginning to his reign as king. He could have asked God for wealth, acclaim, or valor. But he chose to request wisdom. Not for self-edification, but so that he could properly direct his countrymen. This was, by and large, a selfless appeal. He was not thinking of his namesake, but God’s. The Lord rewarded the upright response of Solomon. Solomon’s wisdom would go on to become world-renowned. But it all began with a humble request and a sensitive spirit.     

God made Solomon exceedingly wise. It wasn’t Solomon’s charisma, academic aptitude, royal pedigree, or genealogical connection to David that made Solomon so sage; it was God’s decision and pleasure to make Solomon exceedingly wise. Despite the fact that Solomon didn’t ask for military superiority or a massive fortune God determined to grant it to him anyway. Why? Perhaps the Lord perceived the proper intention of Solomon’s request for wisdom and knew a person of such character would aptly handle such blessings. After all, Solomon’s primary thought was for his countrymen, not himself. Regardless, Solomon perceived wisdom as a more important aim than anything else. He longed for integrity and discernment rather than human praise or affluence. And he looked for it by appealing to God directly. The Lord has always shown an appreciation for a heart that is tender, humble, and moldable – a heart that places a great worth on heavenly wisdom.