Wisdom

We are all familiar the saying:  “Wise as Solomon”.  But why is Solomon so wise?  What is the secret behind his wisdom?

It all started in a place called Gibeon. 

At Giebeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?” (1Kgs 3:5).

Now listen to what Solomon said in reply:

Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours? (1Kgs 3:9).

How did God react to this?

The speech pleased the LORD, that Solomon had asked this thing (1Kgs 3:10).

What did God say to Solomon?

Then God said to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you  (1Kgs 3:11-12).

And Solomon also received what he did not ask!

And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days (1kgs 3:13).

The ability to discern between good and evil is what makes one wise – that’s wisdom.  But as can be seen in this passage, wisdom – this ability to discern between good and evil – is a result of something else called an understanding heart. 

Now this may sound very logical.  In order to be wise, you must have the ability to understand. 

But the meaning of the word “understanding” used here actually means “hearing” or “listening”.  So an understanding heart is one that listens or hears what God has to say, and act on it.

Wisdom thus comes from God. The Bible says:

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction (Prov 1:7).    

A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel (Prov 1:5).