Get Wisdom: What Solomon Teaches Us About Living Well

When God offered Solomon anything he wanted, he asked for wisdom.

He could have asked for riches, a long life or victory over his enemies. Instead he asked for an understanding heart. God was so pleased that He gave him wisdom and much more besides.

“Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil. (1 Kings 3:9, ESV)”

The man who received that gift went on to write much of Proverbs. Here is what he wants us to know.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7, ESV)”

Wisdom does not start with cleverness. It starts with reverence. To fear the Lord is to take Him seriously: to honour Him above our opinions and feelings. Everything else is built on that foundation.

“How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. (Proverbs 16:16, ESV)”

“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. (Proverbs 4:7, ESV)”

Money can be lost in a day. Wisdom stays with you. It guides your marriage, your parenting, your money and your words. It is the one investment that never fails.

Solomon describes wisdom as treasure that has to be searched for. It does not fall on the careless.

“If you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. (Proverbs 2:4-6, ESV)”

We seek it in the Word, in prayer and in the counsel of godly people. And when we lack it, we can ask.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (James 1:5, ESV)”

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)”

Wisdom knows its limits. The wise woman does not trust her own reasoning above God's voice. She brings every decision to Him.

• Guarding your words: "Whoever restrains his lips is prudent." (Proverbs 10:19)
• Choosing friends carefully: "Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise." (Proverbs 13:20)
• Receiving correction rather than resenting it (Proverbs 12:1).
• Working diligently and planning ahead, like the ant (Proverbs 6:6-8).
• Building your home with your own hands (Proverbs 14:1).
• Speaking with kindness: the virtuous woman "opens her mouth with wisdom" (Proverbs 31:26).

Solomon began well, but in later life he turned his heart after other gods (1 Kings 11:4). Wisdom is not something we receive once and keep automatically. It must be walked in daily. Even the wisest man needed to keep his heart.

“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. (Proverbs 4:23, ESV)”

Lord, like Solomon I ask You for an understanding heart. Teach me to fear You and to honour You above all. Give me wisdom for my home, my family, my work and my words. Help me seek it like hidden treasure and keep my heart all my days. I will not lean on my own understanding. Make my paths straight. In Jesus' name, amen.