Day 111 · Part 7: The Kingdom
The Gift of Wisdom
In the Story
In context
Solomon marries Pharaoh’s daughter and goes to Gibeon, where the Tent of Meeting that Moses made in the wilderness still stood, to offer a thousand burnt offerings (1 Kings 3:1–4; 2 Chronicles 1:3–6). That night God says, “Ask for what I should give you.” Solomon calls himself “just a little child” and asks for “an understanding heart to judge your people” (1 Kings 3:5–9). God gives it, with riches and honor he did not ask for (3:10–13).
Then two women come to him with one living baby. When Solomon calls for a sword, the true mother gives up her claim to save her son, and the child is given to her unharmed (3:16–27). “All Israel heard of the judgment” and saw “that the wisdom of God was in him” (3:28).
In his days Judah and Israel lived safely, “every man under his vine and under his fig tree” (4:25). Solomon spoke three thousand proverbs, and the book of Proverbs opens, “The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel” (4:32; Proverbs 1:1). A few of them are in today’s reading.
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
James 1:5 · Solomon asked God for wisdom and received it; James writes that anyone who lacks wisdom may “ask of God, who gives to all liberally.”
For families
Two mothers came to Solomon with one living baby. When the king called for a sword, the real mother’s “heart yearned over her son,” and she begged him to give the child to the other woman rather than kill him. Solomon gave the baby to her: “She is his mother” (1 Kings 3:24–27).
The mother cared more about her baby than about winning. How can you tell when someone in your family loves you?
In the Bible
World English Bible, as published by eBible.org (public domain).
1 Kings 3
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1 Kings 4
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2 Chronicles 1
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Proverbs 1:1
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Proverbs 1:7
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Proverbs 2:6
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Proverbs 3:5–6
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Proverbs 3:13–14
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Proverbs 10:1
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Proverbs 10:12
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A hymn for today
Trust and Obey · words by John H. Sammis
- When we walk with the LordIn the light of His word,What a glory He sheds on our way!While we do His good will,He abides with us still,And with all who will trust and obey.RefrainTrust and obey,For there's no other wayTo be happy in Jesus,But to trust and obey.
- Not a shadow can rise,Not a cloud in the skies,But His smile quickly drives it away;Not a doubt nor a fear,Not a sigh nor a tear,Can abide while we trust and obey.RefrainTrust and obey,For there's no other wayTo be happy in Jesus,But to trust and obey.
- Not a burden we bear,Not a sorrow we share,But our toil He doth richly repay;Not a grief nor a loss,Not a frown nor a cross,But is blest if we trust and obey.RefrainTrust and obey,For there's no other wayTo be happy in Jesus,But to trust and obey.
- But we never can proveThe delights of His loveUntil all on the altar we lay;For the favor He shows,And the joy He bestows,Are for all who will trust and obey.RefrainTrust and obey,For there's no other wayTo be happy in Jesus,But to trust and obey.
- Then in fellowship sweetWe will sit at His feet,Or we'll walk by His side in the way;What He says we will do,Where He sends we will go;Never fear, only trust and obey.RefrainTrust and obey,For there's no other wayTo be happy in Jesus,But to trust and obey.