What steps can we take to prioritize wisdom over wealth and power today? Setting the Scene “Therefore wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you; I will also give you wealth, riches, and honor unlike anything given to the kings before you or after you.” (2 Chronicles 1:12) God rewarded Solomon’s request for wisdom by adding wealth and honor. The pattern shows that when wisdom is sought first, other blessings can follow in their proper place. Why Wisdom Outshines Wealth • Proverbs 3:13-16 reminds us that wisdom brings “long life… riches and honor,” yet the order begins with wisdom, not possessions. • Proverbs 4:7: “Wisdom is supreme; therefore acquire wisdom.” • James 1:5: God promises wisdom generously to those who ask. • Matthew 6:33: Seeking God’s kingdom comes before material “things.” Step 1: Admit Our Need • Recognize that human insight is limited. • Confess any tendency to chase wealth or influence for self-advancement. • Humbly acknowledge, as Solomon did, “I am but a little child” (1 Kings 3:7). Step 2: Ask Boldly • Pray specific, daily requests for wisdom, trusting James 1:5. • Invite the Spirit to illuminate Scripture and guide decisions. • Journal answered prayers to remember God’s faithfulness. Step 3: Align Desires with the Word • Daily Bible intake—read, study, memorize. • Filter ambitions through passages such as 1 Timothy 6:6-10,17-19, which warns against the love of money. • Let Scripture recalibrate motives, so wealth and power stay tools, not idols. Step 4: Apply Wisdom in Everyday Choices • Budget and spend with eternity in view; generosity breaks greed’s grip (Proverbs 11:24-25). • Pursue excellence and integrity at work, refusing shortcuts for gain (Proverbs 10:9). • Seek counsel from mature believers before major commitments (Proverbs 15:22). • Practice Sabbath rest; it declares dependence on God, not on constant productivity. Step 5: Keep Wealth and Power in Perspective • Remember Solomon’s testimony in Ecclesiastes: wealth without God is “vanity.” • Set giving goals that rise with income, turning increase into ministry. • Use influence to serve, following Jesus’ model: “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). Cultivating a Lifelong Pursuit • Read one chapter of Proverbs daily—31 chapters fit monthly. • Surround yourself with people who prize wisdom over status. • Celebrate-wise choices in your family or small group, reinforcing the value system. Encouragement from Other Scriptures • Psalm 119:72: “The law You speak is better to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.” • Colossians 2:3: In Christ “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” • Revelation 3:18: Buy from Christ “gold refined by fire,” true spiritual wealth. Living the Difference When wisdom is the first pursuit, wealth and power become secondary, redeemed for Kingdom purposes. Solomon’s story assures us that God delights to give wisdom—and in His timing adds every resource needed to fulfill His call. |
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