Asking For Wisdom

Solomon's Request: So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish  between right and wrong. 1 Kings 3:9a Solomon followed in his father's footsteps as he was selected to become king over Israel. He was given the power to rule over the people. He could have asked the Lord for wealth and honor but he chose to ask the Lord for a discerning heart, a heart to understand things heard (Strong's Concordance). Solomon wanted to be a just ruler of the people, not simply a person of wealth and prestige.

God chose to honor Solomon's request and grant him wisdom as He said to Solomon, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for - both riches and honor - so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. 1 Kings 3:12-13

Wow - can you imagine receiving not only what you asked for but also what you didn't ask for? Solomon was blessed among people and he grew to be very wise in his interactions with people. His wealth was beyond our comprehension and the hand of the Lord was upon him.

Many times when I am counseling others, I find myself asking the Lord for His wisdom and discernment in order to give guidance to an individual or couple. It is always exciting to see how He brings a verse or passage of Scripture to mind when I am listening to His voice and asking Him for His wisdom. I have seen wisdom defined as applied knowledge but I also believe God gives us the words to share when we need to say them to others who may be struggling with life challenges.

I encourage you as you come alongside of others to take a moment to ask the Lord to give you His choice words and also His way of discerning right from wrong. I believe it will be an encouragement to your ministry and interactions with others.