King David was Solomon's dad. How would you like to have arguably the greatest Warrior King of Israel as your dad? This man has killed lions, bears, giants, and armies single handedly. He has an army of highly trained assassins as his personal body guard. A man after God's own heart, whom God has chosen and loved from a boy. That would be a little intimidating to follow in his footsteps wouldn't it? I believe that put Solomon is a great place to be even greater than David. Listen to King David on his death bed, as he pours into the young King Solomon.
"I go the way of all the earth; be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man. And keep the charge of the LORD your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn;" 1 Kings 2:2-3. King David had a lot of failures as a father, but in the end it got it right with his son Solomon.
When God appeared to King Solomon in a dream and said, "Ask! What shall I give you?" King Solomon had a blank check from God. He asked God for a wise and understanding heart to judge the people of Israel, and discern between good and evil. 1 Kings 3:9. This pleased the LORD, and God said because you have asked this thing, and have not asked for long life for yourself, nor have asked for riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days. So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statues and commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days." 1 Kings 3:10-14. King Solomon's reign ended up being one of peace, wealth, and favor from God like no other in the history of Israel because of his request for wisdom.
How can we apply this to our lives? Proverbs 8:11-13 17-19 32-35 "For wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her. I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge and discretion. The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate. I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me. Riches and honor are with me, enduring riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, and my revenue than choice silver. For blessed are those who keep my (wisdom) ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not disdain it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.. For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the LORD."
"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. Proverbs encourages us to desire wisdom, and James encourages us to ask God to give us wisdom. We can learn from King Solomon's example. Let's desire and ask wisdom. "Does not wisdom cry out, and understanding lift up her voice?" Prov. 8:1. Wisdom is crying out for us to answer her. "Wisdom in the principle thing; Therefore get wisdom. An in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her. She will place on your head an ornament of grace; A crown of glory she will deliver to you." Prov. 4:7-9
In closing, how do we get wisdom practically? We've asked God to give us wisdom through His Holy Spirit, but we need to balance that with His Word. We primarily get wisdom through His Word, the Holy Bible. We get wisdom by taking heed according to the word of God, and hiding it in our hearts. Psalm:119:9-15
King David's last words to us:
"I go the way of all the earth; be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man. And keep the charge of the LORD your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn;" 1 Kings 2:2-3
King Solomon's last words to us:
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: "Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man's all." Ecc. 12:13
Let's listen to the two greatest Kings in history. Get wisdom by the fear of the LORD, loving His Word, and obeying His commandments.
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