How does 1 Kings 10:2 connect with James 1:5 about asking for wisdom? The Setting in 1 Kings 10:2 “Arriving in Jerusalem with a very great caravan—with camels carrying spices, large quantities of gold, and precious stones—the queen of Sheba came to Solomon and spoke with him about all that was on her heart.” What the Queen Did Right • She recognized her need for wisdom • She traveled far, investing time, effort, and treasure • She spoke “about all that was on her heart,” holding nothing back • She sought the one God had endowed with wisdom (1 Kings 3:12; 4:29–34) Solomon: A Foreshadowing of Christ, the Greater Wisdom • Solomon’s wisdom was a gift of God, not human achievement • Jesus declared, “Now something greater than Solomon is here” (Matthew 12:42; Luke 11:31) • Christ is made for us “wisdom from God” (1 Colossians 1:30) The Promise in James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Connecting the Two Passages • Same need: both the Queen and every believer lack wisdom • Same approach: come and ask—she in person, we in prayer (He 4:16) • Same outcome: God gives abundantly—Solomon “answered all her questions; nothing was too difficult” (1 Kings 10:3), and God “gives generously to all” (James 1:5) • Same heart posture: humble, earnest seeking (Proverbs 2:3–6; Jeremiah 29:13) • Same assurance: God’s wisdom proves true—her spirit was “overwhelmed” (1 Kings 10:5); we receive “without reproach” (James 1:5) Living It Today • Admit the gap—confess your need for heaven-sent wisdom • Draw near—come to Christ, the greater Solomon (Colossians 2:3) • Ask boldly—expect God’s open hand, not a reluctant answer • Value wisdom—be willing to “pay the price” of time, prayer, study (Proverbs 4:7) • Testify—like the Queen, acknowledge that “the report was true” (1 Kings 10:6–9), pointing others to the God who still gives wisdom |
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