(Monday, 10-22-07) Prayer 16 - Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom

Read first:
1 Kings 3:4-15

King David had grown old and ill. One of his sons, Adonijah, took it upon himself to gather allies in a strategic move to become king. David, however, had promised that after he died, Solomon would be king. Bathsheba and Nathan the prophet, informed David of Adonijah’s plans and David saw to it that Solomon was anointed king and seated on the throne.

Solomon’s first actions as king was to consolidate power, but having his enemies, including Adonijah, Joab and others assassinated. Solomon then formed a marriage alliance and wed Pharaoh's daughter. God then came in a dream and told Solomon to ask whatever he wished. He asked for wisdom.

What Can We Learn?
1. Solomon had several good reasons for asking for wisdom (an understanding heart)
(a) He was following in the footsteps of a truly great man
(b) He was young and knew that he was inexperienced
(c) His job was to lead a people who were notorious for rebellion
(d) His ascendancy to the throne involved intrigue, plots, and assassinations
(e) His own heritage was good reason for concern about right and wrong
2. His heart was open to gaining wisdom because of his realistic view of himself (cf 1 Kg. 3:7)
3. His request was not for personal gain, but for what he would be able to do for others (cf 1 Kg. 3:9)
4. God not only gave him wisdom, but all that he didn’t ask for as well.

Questions to Ponder
1. What possible reason did God have for giving Solomon such a choice?
2. What is wisdom? How does a person know if he or she is wise?
3. 1 Kg. 3:16-28 is usually thought to present us with proof of what a wise man Solomon was. Do you think he was just “automatically” wise at that point?
4. Depending on how you answered #3 above, how do you explain such a wise man going so far from God’s will as the years progressed?
5. Explain Eccl. 1:12 -18.
6. Read Pro. 1:1 -7. Why do you think Solomon was qualified to write about wisdom?