Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you.” vs. 12
1 Kings 3:9-12
After Solomon had ordered the death of his older brother and thus consolidated his power, the ancient court history recounts in a scene reminiscent of the Arabian Nights that the Lord, like a genie, appears to him in a dream and offers to give him whatever he wants. Solomon asks for an understanding mind, the ability to discern good and evil, and the Lord accordingly makes him the wisest man the world has ever seen. As the story continues Solomon did indeed become famous for wisdom, and in the process also became the richest man in the world, in essence the Elon Musk of his time. While much of what is written about him is an exaggeration, that reputation for wisdom remains attached to his name. It’s a gift that we continue to value. We like hanging around wise people! But it’s important to remember that Paul doesn’t even mention wisdom in his list of spiritual fruits. He instead encourages believers to embrace foolishness, which he calls the wisdom of God. It’s not that there’s anything wrong with being able to run a category in Jeopardy, but wisdom can only take us so far. It feeds the mind, often leading to pride, but it does nothing for the soul. Paul says that it’s in the crucified Christ, pure foolishness, that we finally find peace!
Thought for the Day: Who are the wisest people I know?
0 Comments