1 Kings 4
Today's Passage: 1 Kings 4
Where does godly wisdom come from and how do we get it? As believers, we should desire godly wisdom and this passage clarifies that King Solomon was the wisest man alive then. We get there in three ways: We ask, God gives, and the world notices.
Proverbs 2:6 states, "For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” We must first understand that it is God who gives wisdom. Not worldly, circumstantial wisdom, but godly, divine wisdom. He is the source of knowledge and understanding, therefore if we desire to be wise we should run to him and ask.
James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” We are told to ask for it. God knows we need wisdom, but He wants us to desire it for ourselves. Proverbs 16:16 tells us that He wants us to value wisdom from the Lord over gold, silver, and money.
In the previous chapter, we are given the story of Solomon asking God for wisdom. God asks Solomon, “What do you want? Ask and I will give it to you!” Solomon’s request is for wisdom and understanding from the Lord. Our text in chapter 4 shows that the Lord answered that request. So are you asking the Lord for wisdom in your own life? Do you see the value in godly wisdom? Ask and it will be given.
Second, it is God who gives the wisdom. We already shared James 1:5 and Proverbs 2:6, but the Scriptures are clear that God is the sole source of true wisdom. God is not tricking us to ask Him for wisdom just to withhold it from us. Godly wisdom produces fruit and righteousness in us that drives us deeper into the character of God (James 3:17). So of course the Lord wants to lavish it upon us when we ask him.
Lastly, verse 34 tells us, “Kings from every nation sent their ambassadors to listen to the wisdom of Solomon.” The world took notice of Solomon’s wisdom. If James 3:17 is true -- that godly wisdom produces spiritual fruit in our lives -- then it should be apparent to the world that we have godly wisdom. I’m not saying we won’t have problems and suffering, but if we are walking in godly wisdom, and living life the way God designed it, then we should be experiencing the fruit and joy of a Christ-centered life — and the world will take quick notice of that.
Do you desire wisdom from the Lord? Ask Him to supply it to you — He’s the only one who can. Do you want a greater understanding of God and the Christian life? Then trust that God will graciously lavish that understanding upon you, and be salt and light to a dark world.
Written By: Joe Weaver
Where does godly wisdom come from and how do we get it? As believers, we should desire godly wisdom and this passage clarifies that King Solomon was the wisest man alive then. We get there in three ways: We ask, God gives, and the world notices.
Proverbs 2:6 states, "For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” We must first understand that it is God who gives wisdom. Not worldly, circumstantial wisdom, but godly, divine wisdom. He is the source of knowledge and understanding, therefore if we desire to be wise we should run to him and ask.
James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” We are told to ask for it. God knows we need wisdom, but He wants us to desire it for ourselves. Proverbs 16:16 tells us that He wants us to value wisdom from the Lord over gold, silver, and money.
In the previous chapter, we are given the story of Solomon asking God for wisdom. God asks Solomon, “What do you want? Ask and I will give it to you!” Solomon’s request is for wisdom and understanding from the Lord. Our text in chapter 4 shows that the Lord answered that request. So are you asking the Lord for wisdom in your own life? Do you see the value in godly wisdom? Ask and it will be given.
Second, it is God who gives the wisdom. We already shared James 1:5 and Proverbs 2:6, but the Scriptures are clear that God is the sole source of true wisdom. God is not tricking us to ask Him for wisdom just to withhold it from us. Godly wisdom produces fruit and righteousness in us that drives us deeper into the character of God (James 3:17). So of course the Lord wants to lavish it upon us when we ask him.
Lastly, verse 34 tells us, “Kings from every nation sent their ambassadors to listen to the wisdom of Solomon.” The world took notice of Solomon’s wisdom. If James 3:17 is true -- that godly wisdom produces spiritual fruit in our lives -- then it should be apparent to the world that we have godly wisdom. I’m not saying we won’t have problems and suffering, but if we are walking in godly wisdom, and living life the way God designed it, then we should be experiencing the fruit and joy of a Christ-centered life — and the world will take quick notice of that.
Do you desire wisdom from the Lord? Ask Him to supply it to you — He’s the only one who can. Do you want a greater understanding of God and the Christian life? Then trust that God will graciously lavish that understanding upon you, and be salt and light to a dark world.
Written By: Joe Weaver
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