3. A Lesson in Humility
Humility: freedom from pride or arrogance
When God gave Solomon a blank cheque to ask for whatever he wanted, Solomon asked for wisdom. As we have previously seen, this request led to incomprehensible wealth. What has always stood out for me about his request is how wise it was. You see, it takes wisdom to ask for wisdom! In effect, King Solomon already had a measure of wisdom when he made his request.
Question: Where did Solomon get his initial measure of wisdom?
He answers this question for us in Proverbs 11:2 (NIV):
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
King Solomon seemed qualified to be Israel’s king. God specially named Jedediah because the Lord so loved him (See 2 Sam 12:24-25). He had first hand lessons on leadership from his father, King David, who was arguably the greatest king Israel has ever known (see 1 Kings 2: 1-10). King Solomon grew up around the throne of Israel. He must have understood the operations and protocols of the throne. Yet, he makes the conscious decision to humble himself and ask for help:
Then Solomon said to God, “You have shown great lovingkindness and mercy to my father David, and have made me king in his place. Now, O Lord God, Your promise to my father David is fulfilled, for You have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me wisdom and knowledge, so that I may go out and come in [performing my duties] before this people, for [otherwise] who can rule and administer justice to this great people of Yours?”
2Chronicles 1:8-10 (Amp)
How can we walk in this same humility?
1. Humble yourself before the Lord. Solomon knew that he was king, not because of his qualifications, but in spite of them. He knew his kingship was as a result of God’s hand on his life. What about you? Do you acknowledge God as the reason for the position you have or do you credit your academic prowess, family name etc. for the privilege you have.
This same humility was echoed by another wealthy man , Job, when he lost all he had:
” Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”
Job 1:20-22 ( NIV)
2. Keep the welfare of others at the forefront of whatever you do. In other words, walk in love. Solomon was concerned about governing the people God had given him well. The cry of his heart was not outdoing his father or making a name for himself; rather it was proper governance. And from Scripture we know that the people’s welfare greatly improved in his reign.
The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as plentiful as sycamore-fig trees in the foothills.
1 Kings 10:27 (NIV)
3. Ask for wisdom.
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
James 1:5 (NIV)
Wisdom is supreme, therefore get wisdom. Though it cost you all you have, get understanding.
Proverbs 4:7 (NIV)