1 Kings 4:29
“And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore.”
Knowing what to do at the right time is the most important asset a person can have. You can do the right thing at the wrong time, and it will not turn out as good as if you did it in the right timing. Having the wisdom to know what to do, when you are to do it, and how it is to be done will set you apart from all others.
Solomon seemed to understand this early in his reign when God asked him, “Ask what I shall give thee.” His response alone showed his wisdom, and God granted him the wisdom and understanding he needed to lead Israel. When you study Solomon’s life, you will see that wisdom is your greatest need because of what it will do for you.
First, wisdom gives you discernment to handle complex situations. When Solomon was faced with the complexity of trying to discern to which mother a baby belonged, wisdom showed him how to make the proper decision. You are going to face complex situations in life, and the only way you are going to be able to do the right thing is by having the wisdom of God. Wisdom shows you how to handle those complicated situations in life.
Second, wisdom gives you direction on how to manage disloyalty. Solomon wisely managed the disloyalty of his brother and Shimei. Those two men could have quickly destroyed him if he hadn't wisely handled their disloyalty. Every leader is going to deal with disloyalty. Each act of disloyalty is going to be different and must be handled differently. God’s wisdom shows you how to manage it properly so that you can preserve others who could have been influenced by the disloyal person.
Third, wisdom gives you content to feed people God’s Word. The Scriptures teach that people came from afar to hear of Solomon’s wisdom. Leaders need God’s wisdom to teach those who come to learn what they need to do in life. You will teach people, and only God’s wisdom can show you what you need to teach at the right time. If you will get God’s wisdom, your insecurity to teach will disappear because He will give you the content of what to say.
Fourth, wisdom gives you compassion to care for those whom you lead. Wisdom gave Solomon “largeness of heart.” Compassion is what makes wisdom palatable no matter how it may affect someone. God’s wisdom not only shows you what to do at the right time, but it allows you to do it with the right attitude. You can do the right thing with the wrong attitude, and it will hurt those you are trying to help. If you get God’s wisdom, you will lead with the right attitude.
Friend, the answer for obtaining wisdom is found in the verse above when it says, “And God gave Solomon wisdom…” Your greatest need in life is God’s wisdom. The only way you will get it is by asking God to give you wisdom, and then spend time with Him in the Scriptures and prayer so He can give it to you. Your capacity to help others will be determined by how much of God’s wisdom you have.