How can we ensure our pursuit of wisdom aligns with God's will? The scene in 1 Kings 10:24 “The whole world sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart.” Everyone came because Solomon’s insight was unmistakably from the Lord, not from human brilliance. The verse sets the benchmark: wisdom worth pursuing is wisdom God plants in the heart. Tracing Solomon’s source • 1 Kings 3:9 – Solomon first asked, “Give Your servant an understanding heart … to discern between good and evil.” • 1 Kings 3:12 – God replied, “I will give you a wise and discerning heart.” • Solomon’s later renown (10:24) proves God kept His word; wisdom flowed from divine gift, not self-made intellect. Reminder: “For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6) Aligning our pursuit with God’s will • Begin with reverent submission. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 9:10) • Ask boldly. “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.” (James 1:5) • Elevate Scripture as final authority. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) • Measure counsel by Christ’s character. “In Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:3) • Trust, then act. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart … in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) • Remain teachable. “Give instruction to a wise man and he will be wiser still.” (Proverbs 9:9) • Walk in the Spirit. “Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25) Guardrails against counterfeit wisdom • Reject pride. “Do not be wise in your own eyes.” (Proverbs 3:7) • Test every idea. “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” (1 John 4:1) • Avoid worldly enticements. “This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.” (James 3:15) • Stay in community. “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17) Jesus, the greater Solomon • Matthew 12:42 declares, “look, something greater than Solomon is here.” The ultimate wisdom is a Person. • Following Christ aligns every pursuit with the Father’s perfect plan. Practical next steps • Set a rhythm of daily Scripture intake, inviting God to correct and guide thinking. • Memorize key wisdom verses (Proverbs 2:6; James 1:5; Colossians 2:3) to anchor decisions. • Seek Spirit-filled mentors who model biblical discernment. • Evaluate goals, relationships, and media intake through the filter of God’s revealed truth. • Celebrate every glimpse of godly insight with gratitude, just as Solomon’s visitors marveled at what God had done. |
    |