“In that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, ‘Ask what I shall give you.’ And Solomon said to God, ‘Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?’” “Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions… And when she came to Solomon, she told him all that was on her mind. And Solomon answered all her questions. There was nothing hidden from Solomon that he could not explain to her. And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon,…there was no more breath in her. And she said to the king, ‘The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom, but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, half the greatness of your wisdom was not told me; you surpass the report that I heard... Happy are these your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom!'” 2 Chronicles 1:7,10; 9:1-7
“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
Reading of the Queen of Sheba’s visit, I am always struck by her breathlessness at Solomon’s wisdom, and on the surface, it can seem he is merely a smart, wealthy monarch with a grand set-up. But looking to the start of his reign, as he stepped into the royal shoes of his great father David, we know God came to him and asked what He could give him, and Solomon asked for God’s wisdom. He knew that in order to rule rightly and well, in order to lead others and strategize for his domain and prioritize his time and build fruitful relationships, wisdom was the most needed resource. God gave it, generously. All wisdom is His good and perfect gift, and it is to be applied and shared with others in a way that brings honor to Him alone.
Where is it I need particular wisdom today? Are there immediate rocky situations that confuse, decisions that loom, plans that need to be made but are unclear? Is there a larger issue that needs divine light, a relationship that needs parameters, direction, and purpose, a life course that needs a roadmap? When I come, as the queen did, asking, open, ready, expectant, He will give!
Father, make my ears attentive and my heart inclined to understanding. You know the great and small, the near and distant areas where Your wisdom is needed, and I trust You to give it. Fill me with understanding that when others come to me seeking, I can show You and Your truth forth with radiant clarity. (Proverbs 2:2-6)
As the rain and snow 