February 26, 2017 | Tom Dunham
Passage: 1 Kings 3:5-13
One Wish!
At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?” And Solomon said, “…give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” … Then God said to him, “… I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days.” I Kings 3:5-13
3,000 years ago and a newly crowned king … given one wish by God. Solomon asked for wisdom. His wisdom can be ours!! The book he wrote is (WAY!) smaller than any textbook you’ve studied. But it is more valuable than all your textbooks put together!
The PROMISE of wisdom: Proverbs Chapter 1:
:2 – to know wisdom …
:2 - … and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding,
:3 – To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity;
:4 – To give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and
discretion.
Compare: Proverbs 30:2-4 … and 12:1 – (‘stupid’) …
:5 – A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of
understanding will attain wise counsel.
:6 – To understand a proverb and an enigma, the words of the wise and
their riddles.
Chapters 1-9 are character chapters. The actual proverbs start with chapter 10.
Action Points:
- Become OCD with Proverbs! OWP!
- Dads, if you are not presently leading your family in daily devotions: start here! Start now!
- Grandparents: teach them to your grands!
“Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren.” Deuteronomy 4:9