Day 5: Every Good Path
The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, “Since 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, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be (1 Kings 3:10-12).
Our Father, God of infinite greatness in whom is found all the treasures of knowledge and wisdom, You have promised that Your wisdom is ours for the asking:
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you (James 1:5).
You have given us the personal testimony of King Solomon, in whom You poured Your treasures of wisdom because he asked. You show us, in his life, all the gifts and benefits attached to godly wisdom:
He holds success in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you (Proverbs 2:7-11).
You show us the practical application of wisdom from the start of Solomon's reign as he faced the difficult challenge of discovering truth and administering justice in a difficult case over disputed parentage (1 Kings 3:16-28).
More than ever, in our own world O Lord, we face similar contentions, dilemmas, and disputes over "babies"— over rights and responsibility, ownership and accountability, justice and truth. We cry out for Your wisdom.
Help us to ask in the manner of Solomon, with humility, with purity of motive, and with confidence; mindful of the words of the apostle James, But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do (James 1:6-8). Thank You for the promise from Your word:
…Indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come
knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 2: 5-6).
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