God offered Solomon anything he wanted. Imagine that! Of all the things Solomon could have asked God for, why did he ask for wisdom? He asked for wisdom because he was trained by his father David to desire wisdom above all. Solomon writes in Proverbs 4: ‘When I was a boy in my father’s house…he taught me and said, “Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live. Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honour you.”’ It is a reminder of how one generation can feed and cultivate the desires and values of the next. We shape the desires of our children, not just by word but by example. What do you value the most? That is probably what your children will value. Solomon valued wisdom, not just because it was some abstract ideal passed onto him, but because he had a father who had gained wisdom, tasted its goodness and valued it above all things. Whether it is as a parent, a leader, a role model or simply a friend, recognise that your values will affect what others come to value.
Can others recognise in you a deep desire for God’s wisdom? How are you passing this on?
Read 1 Kings 3:1-15
