“Then God said to Solomon: “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life—but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you kin, wisdom and knowledge are granted to you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings have had who were before you, nor shall any after you have the like.” - 2 Chronicles 1:11-2 (NIV)
It is an interesting question for any of us, if given an opportunity before the Almighty, what we may ask. The natural man would ideally pick on the immediate objects of pleasure, power and glory. As the scripture shows when such an opportunity was given to one Solomon, he pleaded first for wisdom and knowledge, and thereafter was rewarded mightily.
Wisdom and knowledge is quite important because even where one has acquired anything of significance, without it, all is but fleeting. There is wisdom we need in handling our personal affairs. We need wisdom to run affairs in the market place. We need wisdom in handling community relations. In the absence of wisdom whatever decisions we make may not hold.
There is an interesting case where Absolom having rebelled from his father David was about to attack him, he sought advice from two eminent priests, Ahithophel and Hushai. After listening to both, “Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel. For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.” (2 Sam 17:14). What is key here is that where we base our decisions without first seeking the Lord, we are courting a dangerous path of futility.
This is why the scriptures point out, To find wisdom starts with knowing God. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10).
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, as I start a new day, I ask for nothing but wisdom to guide me in all the decisions I am about to make, that glory goes to you, this I pray in Jesus's name!