The Wisdom of King Solomon – Part 2

A story is told of an extremely wealthy old man, who on his sick bed, asked the head of his men servants, who has served him and whom he loved so much to choose one thing he treasured so much amongst his entire estate. The head servant, having considered the magnificent nature of his master’s property, an array of wealth and a pool of staff, without much ado, he quickly picked all the maids and men servants of who served his master. The reason he chose these men and women was that they all worked and from their labour, the wealth of his master multiplied day after day. And immediately he got a confirmation that his master had approved of what he asked for, he was over the moon and was celebrating his newly found fortune. The only son of the wealthy, man who lived abroad and just came back home to look after his father before going back to the far country where he lived was also invited by the father to make a choice as well.

Just as the loved servant was asked by the man to choose what he cherished so much amongst his estates, his only son was also asked. But to the amazement of everyone, the son requested for all that the man owned including the head servant and all other servants (Male and female). The news of the son’s choice speedily spread into every part of the kingdom. What a wise choice? That is the spirit to sonship, which King Solomon possessed during his days. In the first part of this series, at Gibeon, God gave King Solomon a blank cheque in his dream when God asked him to ask for something. 1 Kings 3:5 “In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.”

It was possible for Solomon to ask for wealth, riches and power, but on the contrary, King Solomon requested for a heart of wisdom and understanding. 1 Kings 3:7-9 “And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?” In response to the choice of King Solomon, God was extremely pleased and He granted what he asked for and also added what Solomon did not ask for. 1 Kings 3:12-14 “Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.”

In this dispensation and age, God is seeking for men and women who are yearning for Him and who are willing to love Him, cherish Him and dwell on His word for understanding and wisdom. God is the word and the word of God is the wisdom of God. King Solomon devoted his time and substance to God and God was convinced that his love for Him was genuine and real. Beyond that, God recognised that King Solomon was selfless, hence he asked God for an understanding heart to rule the Israelites – the Chosen of God. These special blessings of heart of wisdom and understanding gave unrivalled fame and recognition to King Solomon all over the world, and since, history has not recorded any king as wise as King Solomon.

What is your disposition to God?
What is the quality of your offerings (time and substance) to God?
Are you being real with your service unto God?
What is the motive behind your request from God?
Is God at the centre of your life and service unto Him?

These and other questions are required to enable you conduct an effective evaluation of your stand with God to check what page you are, so that corrections and adjustments can be made where necessary.