Solomon’s Secret

“‘Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?’ It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this.”
1 Kings 3:9-10

You may have heard of wise King Solomon, but have you ever wondered how he became so wise? What was his secret? It’s an interesting story, and one that deserves our reflection.

At the beginning of his reign, Solomon received a dream-visit from God. During this visit, God gave an amazing gift to Solomon: ask for anything. After praising God for his abundant faithfulness and love for his father, Solomon then admitted his nervousness about being king. “And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in.” (1 Kings 3:7) Does this mean that Solomon was a toddler, unable to walk or step over thresholds? No, this is his way of saying, “I feel small, Lord, for the task that you have given me. I am not like my father; I don’t know if I can do this task.” Can you hear the uncertainty in his voice? This man, king of all of Israel, bowed before God and, admitting his fear, cried, “HELP!” The daunting task of governing a country frightened this ruler.

After admitting his fear, Solomon then gave his request, “Give me an understanding mind to govern your people.” Wow. With his low self-esteem, he might have asked that God would change his life to make it more manageable. Perhaps God could give him a different job, or at least more power, more money, or even the miraculous defeat of his enemies so that he and the world would know of God’s blessing. But he didn’t ask that. With his knees knocking, he asked that God would give him the wisdom he needed to fulfill the task God had given him. What was God’s response? Pleasure.

Solomon didn’t ask for a different life, he asked for wisdom to live the life that God had given him. And this pleased God.

What is your life like? What disappointments are you facing? What mountains are in front of you? If you were honest with God and yourself, would you wish for different circumstances in your life: perhaps more money, more friends, more influence, or even the removal of someone or something that makes your life difficult? How much of your prayer-life is spent asking God to change your circumstances?

Instead of yearning for more or different, we need to ask God to give us wisdom to live in the circumstances he has given us. I don’t think this means that we cannot ask God for a job if we need one or money for food if we are hungry. However, often we are not asking for the basics, but we are just longing for different.

The next time you catch yourself wishing for a different house, a different job, or even a different spouse, remember Solomon and pray instead for wisdom to live in the circumstances God has given you.