Focal Passages: Proverbs 2:1-6; 3:5-7
In 1 Kings 3, we read about Solomon’s dream at Gibeon where the Lord appeared and said, “Ask what I shall give you” (v. 5). It was an open-ended question. God did not ask whether Solomon would prefer to have riches or wisdom or check (a) long life or (b) discernment or (c) revenge on your enemies. God profoundly said, “Ask …”
Solomon recognized that God is the source of wisdom. He recounted God’s faithfulness to his father, David, and knew the great task that lay ahead of governing God’s people. So how did he respond to God’s open-ended question? Solomon requested wisdom so that he may discern between good and evil.
Proverbs 2:6 says, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Solomon counsels his son to also pursue wisdom; to seek it as silver and search for it like hidden treasures (v. 4). When someone is searching for something of value, it is an intentional, persistent search. Recently my husband and I were serving with a team in the Himalayas. We had been training local believers in a village and at the end of the day had gone down to the river for a swim. One of the missionaries lost his dental crown in the flowing water. We watched from the shore as he and others diligently combed the river bed.
From our perspective, it seemed hopeless. The current in the river was strong and the large pebbles that littered the river bed served as an even greater barrier. Yet, the missionary petitioned us to pray and so, obediently, we sought the Lord. Minutes later, one of the nationals found the crown.
If we had leaned on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5), then we may have thought it was an impossible task. But the missionary exemplified diligence and persistence. Do we demonstrate that same resolve when seeking God’s wisdom? Scripture says that only then will we understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God (Proverbs 2:5). In what ways will you forsake your own understanding and diligently pursue the wisdom of God?