There is a funny line in the movie Miss Congeniality where the contestants of a beauty pageant are each asked what one thing society needs most. One after another, they each smile broad, white-toothed grins and answer: “world peace.”

Sandra Bullock’s character, however, confidently answers; “That’s easy, Stan. Tougher sentences for parole violators.” The audience shifts nervously in their seats. We hear crickets. There is only one right answer, Sandra realizes through the awkward silence. She quickly adds, “And world peace.” The crowd applauds approvingly. Stan breaths a sigh of relief.

At the beginning of his reign as king, God asked Solomon something similar. God asked, “Ask. What should I give you?” (1 Kings 3:5) For a new monarch, the easy answer may have been prosperity for his country, military victory over their enemies, a long reign or even world peace (obviously).

Solomon humbly asked for wisdom to lead God’s people well.

We marvel at Solomon’s answer because it is so right. It’s what we wish that our leaders would ask of God.

Wisdom is more than intelligence. Rebecca Faires wrote: “Wisdom is intensely practical. It puts into action what is true and good.”

Solomon’s wisdom would quickly be tested when two young women each claimed to be the mother of the same baby. Without DNA testing, how could anyone possibly decide which woman to believe? Justice demanded that the baby be given to his rightful mother. A mistake was unacceptable. What a mess!

Solomon was decisive. “Bring me a sword.”

Did you gasp? Solomon’s proposal is unimaginable, but it turned out to be wise. When the women realized what he meant to do, the muddy circumstances immediately became crystal clear. Wisdom prevailed.

So many times, you and I are faced with muddy circumstances, aren’t we? The good news is that God invites us to ask Him for wisdom. James 1:5 tells us that God will give us wisdom generously if we ask. In this complicated world, we can’t afford to be without spiritual wisdom to cut through the fog. Let’s ask our generous Heavenly Father for wisdom.

(For those who have missed any of the previous lessons, you can go to https://comethirstyministry.com/blog/ and view all previous postings.)

Week Thirteen

Day 1: 1 Kings 2
Day 2: 1 Kings 3
Day 3: 1 Kings 4
Day 4: 1 Kings 5
Day 5: 1 Kings 6