In 1 Kings 3, the Bible tells us of a remarkable encounter Solomon had with the Lord. Solomon had offered more than a thousand burnt offerings to God in Gibeon. The same night, the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Solomon, ask for anything you want.”
In response, Solomon answered, “Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people…” (1 Kings 3:9). How it pleased the Lord that Solomon asked for this. But here’s what I want you to notice: After the encounter, Solomon was said to be the wisest man on the face of the earth. The Bible says, “And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore. And Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt. For he was wiser than all men…” (1 Kings 4:29-31). How did Solomon get the wisdom?
God only appeared to him in a dream; there was no physical contact. But God spoke words, and wisdom was imparted to Solomon. In 1 Kings 3:12 ESV, the Lord said to Solomon, “...I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you.” Solomon believed, and immediately, he began to manifest wisdom.
God gave Solomon wisdom through words; He said it, and that was it! Did you know that He did the same for us? Only that in our case, He gave us something greater than what Solomon had. Our theme verse says Christ Jesus has been made unto us wisdom. And Jesus said of Himself, “...a greater than Solomon is here” (Luke 11:31).
Jesus Christ (a greater than Solomon) is your wisdom— “Sophia” (Greek). “Sophia” is theoretical wisdom and insight into reality; it’s the collective understanding of things. Christ is your excellent wisdom. The wisdom (“Phronesis” in Greek) of the righteous is given you in Christ Jesus. It’s practical wisdom. Thus, in Christ, He has granted you the ability to understand concepts and see relationships between them. He makes you do and say the right things before you think. How amazing this is!
Now, think about the amazing things Solomon did because of the wisdom of God at work in him. You can do much more today because you’re greater than Solomon. You have the wisdom of Christ. Blessed be God!
Confession
I walk in wisdom; a force that makes me do and say the right things at the right time, in the right way, for God’s purpose. Christ is my wisdom; that wisdom effectively works in me to produce fruits and works of righteousness to the glory of God. Hallelujah!
