Solomon and Wisdom: Part 1

This is part of a message given by George Varghese on 7/26/09 in the evening.

Monday, July 27, 2009: James 1:5–6

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
Is there a precondition to God’s gift of wisdom? Yes, there is. The precondition is faith in God. If we ask in faith, we have God’s word that we will receive wisdom.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009: 1 Kings 3:5, 9

At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?”
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?”
Did Solomon ask God for wisdom? Yes, he did. But, to be specific, he asked God to grant him an understanding heart so that he would discern between good and evil in the people before him for judgment, and mete out justice to them.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009: 1 Kings 3:11–12

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.
How pleasing was this answer to God? The answer so pleased God, that He gave Solomon more wisdom to judge correctly than any before or after him. He made him the wisest judge of human nature, ever.

Thursday, July 30, 2009: 1 Kings 3:13–14

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. So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”
What more did God lavish on Solomon? God gave Solomon riches and honor unconditionally. He also promised him longer life under the condition of obedience.

Friday, July 31, 2009: 1 Kings 4:29–30

And God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding, and largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore. Thus Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the men of the East and all the wisdom of Egypt.
How great was God’s gift to Solomon? Others could not even begin to estimate the depth of his wisdom, the height of his understanding and the width of all he knew.

Next week: What was Solomon’s downfall?