Today’s passage: 1 Kings 3:1-15
Helpful thoughts:
- It was customary for kings to give daughters in marriage as part of a treaty. Solomon’s “customary” use of women would bring much trouble and sin into his (And Israel’s) life.
- There was to be a single place for Israel to worship through sacrifice (Deuteronomy 12:1-7). Once Solomon built the temple in Jerusalem, all of this worship at the “high places” should certainly have stopped. It didn’t.
- Solomon could have asked for selfish gain, instead he sought wisdom from the Lord to serve people well.
- God gives wisdom liberally and intends for us to trust the wisdom He gives (James 1:5-8).
- Wisdom does not automatically result in righteousness. Wisdom and submission are two different things. Jesus did not die for our lack of wisdom, but for our lack of righteousness.
Questions to consider:
- Even as we begin to learn about the reign of King Solomon, what are we reminded of concerning these men and women in Israel’s history? Are they flawless heroes? Were David or Solomon able to be Israel’s Messiah? If we were to be just like Solomon, what problem would remain? What would we still need? Who is truly our hero?
- Where can we receive God’s wisdom for everything we need (2 Timothy 3:16-17)? What might be some of the specific fruit of God giving you wisdom? How might you approach the Word? As you grow in wisdom and knowledge, ho could God use you in the lives of others as well?
- How do James 1:22-25 and 1:5-8 work together? When do we truly benefit (And benefit others in love) with the wisdom God gives? What motivates us to put God’s wisdom into practice?