You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
Solomon cried out for a wise and discerning heart to distinguish between right and wrong. His sole purpose was to fulfill what he had been called to do and he wanted to glorify God in it.
The Lord responded, "Sin you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart...."
God gives wisdom freely. The word says "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Wisdom will save you..." When we look to Him and depend upon him, He will give us a wise and discerning heart.
Solomon had so much wisdom in a time of darkness that others took notice.... It drew others to see God. It says that the people held the king in awe, "because they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice."
The Queen of Sheba heard about this wisdom all the way from another nation to see it. Her response to the wisdom he followed was to praise God and give him gold and valuables. In a sense, she was making an offering to God as she longed for this wisdom herself.
How wonderful it would be to be a person that so reflects the wisdom of God that it leads others to see Him more clearly and praise Him... deeply longing for more of God's wisdom for themselves to glorify God in what they are called to do.
In these days and in this darkness, I think like the time of Solomon, we all the more need His wisdom to save us in order to have God honoring relationships and handle life well.
Zechariah 9:16 says,
"The LORD their God will save his people on that day as a shepherd saves his flock. They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown."
At the same time, it can be a trap to seek after God's wisdom and be about us wanting to just to look good with others. Solomon was not seeking out wealth or honor that came from wisdom but rather just to best honor God in the tasks he was provided.
In addition, seeking and reflecting God's wisdom to someone could potentially create a dependence upon us for direction and we could be sought out by them in place of God. This is a trap to both people involved. One author writes, "To be sought after for wisdom is flattering to the ego. Recognize this snare, and be on your guard against it, and bring the flesh to quick crucifixion. Be not as a substitute for God to any man." [1]
Lord, let us be people like Solomon who so shine with Your wisdom, all can see. At the same time, protect us from the trap of seeking Your wisdom rather than Your face.
1. Roberts, Frances J. Come Away My Beloved. I Will Use, But Not Destroy You. King's Farspan Inc. Ojai, California. 1970. pg. 142
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