Today’s Devotion

Topic: Practical Wisdom

(Self Assessment 178)

Part 1

Background: When Solomon became king, he was determined to govern the people of God right. One night the Lord appeared to him and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”

Solomon answered God, “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place. Now, Lord God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.” (2 Chron 1: 7- 12).

But how do we confirm that the Lord actually fulfilled his promise and gave Solomon divine wisdom? What are some evidence in there to confirm Solomon had wisdom? For answers to these and more, let’s delve deep into today’s discussion using the queen of Sheba’s encounter and account of the king as a case study.

Text: 2 Chron 9: 1- 2

1 When the queen of Sheba heard of Solomon’s fame, she came to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions. Arriving with a very great caravan—with camels carrying spices, large quantities of gold, and precious stones—she came to Solomon and talked with him about all she had on her mind. 2 Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too hard for him to explain to her.  Amen

Questions:

1. Kindly read the background again. On what basis did Solomon ask for wisdom and how remarkable was that?
2. The Lord commended Solomon for not asking for wealth, possessions, honor, the death of his enemies or long life. This goes to show that the Lord knows so well the heart of man. Kindly answer the following:
i) Why do you think most men who find themselves in Solomon’s position desire these things above any others?
ii) Deducing from what the Lord said to Solomon afterwards, do you think those are the best things to desire when serving humanity? Please explain your answer.
3. Read verse 1-2 again.

i) What are some of the extent people will go today for fame? Cite as many examples as possible.

ii) Can the wisdom of God in a person’s life make him/her so distinguished till their fame travel far for others to want to encounter them?

iii. Queen of Sheba came to test Solomon with hard questions. Why do you think she came bearing gifts too? And how does this confirm that Solomon chose well when he asked for wisdom and not wealth?

4. How does verse 2 confirm the faithfulness of God to all His promises?

5. What have you learnt from today’s Bible study?

  
Kindly reply through this same social media platform (WhatsApp/ Facebook). We learn a great deal from the answers you share.

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