Everyone has heard stories about someone finding a genie in a bottle who offers to fulfill the finder's greatest wish. What would you do if God actually granted you your deepest desire? Three thousand years ago Solomon was crowned king over the kingdom of Israel. God appeared to him in a dream and declared, "Ask! What shall I give to you?"

Solomon praised God for the mercy shown to both his father David and himself. He was humbled by the task of ruling Israel and prayed, "...I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil." Solomon's request pleased God and He gave Solomon special wisdom (1 Kings 3:5-12).

The Hebrew word chokmah, translated "wisdom" in the English Old Testament, was used in a secular sense to denote someone as a skillful craftsman. It was used in a religious sense to denote someone who was skillful at using God's Word to live a practical life of obedience.

Points to Build On

The practical art of living is built on three foundational steps:

1. Gathering knowledge, which is the learning of information.

2. Developing understanding, which is the ability to discern what is true and important.

3. Growing in wisdom, which is the ability to practically apply knowledge and understanding.

A person can memorize a great deal of knowledge and not understand how that knowledge relates to others or specific situations. A person can have understanding, but not have the ability to practically apply what they understand.

Solomon, in the book of Proverbs, admonishes his son to seek wisdom as if it is great treasure. Wisdom isn't inherited through genetic code. It is learned through biblical study, personal experience and the observation of others. It is ultimately expressed in the daily choices we make in our relationship with God and neighbor.

Application

Since wisdom isn't an inborn trait, but is developed over time, a person must be dedicated to becoming wise.

First, pray for wisdom. In the New Testament the apostle James writes, "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).

Secondly, seek wisdom through knowledge. This includes daily Bible study, and a lifelong dedication to continued education in science, history, creative activities and the arts.

Thirdly, observe and analyze both your life and the lives of others to learn effective decision-making.

Gary Petty

Pastor of the Austin, San Antonio and Waco, Texas, congregations