When Solomon became King of Israel, his father instructed him to faithfully follow and obey his Lord (1 Kings 2:1-4). Solomon reigned as King of Israel for forty years, though he did not always follow the advice of his father. Yet, as long as he did, he was successful (1 Kings 11:41-43). When God invited Solomon to ask God for whatever he desired as king, he asked for wisdom. God granted Solomon’s request and gave him wisdom that would far surpass any king before or after him in Israel (1 Kings 3:5-12).
Solomon’s wisdom was on display through his problem-solving skills (1 Kings 3:16-28), building projects (1 Kings 5-9) and the various proverbs and songs that he spoke (1 Kings 4:32). Fortunately for students of Scripture, Solomon’s wisdom did not die with him but is preserved for us through many of his writings, especially the Book of Proverbs. Notice a few important lessons about wisdom that we learn from the wisest king in Israel’s history.
Fear the Lord (Proverbs 1:7, 9:10)
While our world equates wisdom with reading many books, a high IQ and lots of degrees, Solomon painted a different picture. Solomon said the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10). The wise person is one who understands his or her role in relation to the Creator of the universe. True wisdom realizes that God is the omnipotent and omniscient One before Whom we should bow and honor. Solomon received his wisdom from God, and we also will as long as we remember where we stand in relation to Him (Colossians 2:3; James 1:5). The Lord gives wisdom (Proverbs 2:6) but only to those who fear Him. Some arrogantly approach God and others apathetically ignore Him, but the wise approach Him in godly reverence. Wisdom does not start with human intelligence but instead with a healthy fear of the Lord (Matthew 10:28).
Wisdom Resides with the Humble (Proverbs 11:2)
Pride brings shame (KJV), dishonor (NASB) or disgrace (ESV), but with the humble there is wisdom. Wisdom is the practical application of knowledge. It involves the ability to live skillfully. Wisdom involves making good choices based on instruction, experience or observation. Proud (arrogant) people eventually are brought low because they are God’s enemy (Proverbs 6:16-19), but the lowly are wise to allow the Lord to exalt them (James 4:6, 10; 1 Peter 5:6). Wise people do not praise themselves. They let others notice their good qualities (Proverbs 25:27; 27:2). Solomon started off humbly, but he ruined himself through pride and rebellion. As we read his wise words in Proverbs, we should guard against letting success go to our heads because pride always leads to destruction and ruin (Proverbs 16:18).
Wisdom Is More Valuable Than Treasure (Proverbs 16:16)
Most people in the world spend their time chasing financial prosperity and worldly treasure, but they usually end up empty-handed (Proverbs 23:3-5). Wisdom is more valuable than gold, and understanding is worth more than silver (Proverbs 16:16). Solomon did not condemn wealth or working hard to acquire financial security, for he was the wealthiest man in Israel’s history (1 Kings 4:22-28; 10:27). Solomon’s lesson on wisdom and treasures is about priorities. We should be more eager to draw close to God and to acquire wisdom than we are desirous to acquire material possessions. Money will not last, but wisdom from God will last. Wisdom was what God used to create the world, and it is what He uses to govern the world (see Proverbs 8:1-36). If we want to navigate successfully through the world that God created, we should acquire wisdom before we chase gold.
Conclusion
We should study, memorize and apply the Proverbs of Solomon to our daily lives. God gave Solomon wisdom, and he passed it on to us through his inspired writings. Fear God, remain humble and put wisdom before wealth. If we ask God for wisdom, he will give it to us as we study His Word and apply its principles to our lives (James 1:5).
