1 Kings 10:24 And all the earth sought to Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart.
Wisdom… the Bible speaks of wisdom in over 200 verses. The book of Proverbs is known as “The book of wisdom” and within its verses we are told that wisdom:
1. is source of true happiness - Pro 3:13; 2. is the principle thing – Pro 4:7;
3. is better than rubies – Pro 8:11 4. is better than gold – Pro 16:16;
5. is possessed by those who love their own soul – Pro 16:16; 6. brings reward / fulfilled desires – Pro 24:14
…among many others.
Why does the Bible emphasize wisdom’s importance for us? To answer this question we must come to an understanding of the definition of wisdom. The basic idea of wisdom is the application of knowledge to our lives. Let me give us an example of what I mean by this. In doing so, we will be able to learn what is meant by the Bible terms “knowledge”, “understanding”, and “wisdom”… The best way to explain this is to use a simple example of a “stop” sign:
1. Knowledge is learning a fact or a truth. Example….When we begin to learn to drive, we read our states book of laws and learn about what is a stop sign. This is gaining knowledge.
2. Understanding is learning the purpose behind a fact. Example … not only do we learn about the need to stop at a stop sign, but the book goes further in explaining to us why the stop sign is used. It is used so that we can avoid a collision with traffic that is going across the street upon which we are driving. We are told why we are to stop at a stop sign. This is gaining understanding.
3. Wisdom is the application of knowledge and understanding to our lives. Example… as we begin to drive the car we apply our knowledge and understanding and stop the car at the sign. This is wisdom.
When it comes to the things of God, we gain both knowledge and understanding from reading and studying the Word of God. Both of these involve mentally receiving the truths of God’s Word into our minds and hearts. However wisdom is slightly different, wisdom is the practical application of our knowledge and understanding of the truths of God. It is allowing the Word of God to change us both within (our thought life) and without (our words and actions).
In our text, we find that Solomon, by applying the principles of God’s Word to His life had become greatly sought after by “all the earth”. Solomon became renown in his decision making and leadership ability as he allowed the Word of the Lord to guide him as King over Israel.
Finally, lets notice the source of Solomon’s wisdom… “which God had put in his heart.” Godly wisdom is a gift of grace given to us by Almighty God. What a blessing it is to see the Lord enable us to apply the truths of His Word to our lives. Let us never take for granted the importance of wisdom nor the source from which that wisdom flows. As we enter our day, lets seek to apply God’s Word to our lives at every opportunity and with thankful hearts praise Him for giving us the ability and desire to do so.
May the Lord bless us as we “Think On These Things”.
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