1 Kings 3: Choose Wisdom

¹¹ So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, ¹² I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. ¹³ Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings.” -1 Kings 3:11-13

If you were given the choice to be extremely wise or extremely wealthy, which would you choose? I have a feeling most Americans would choose wealth. Money seems like the solution to every problem, the key to influence, and the path to success.

But Solomon’s dream illustrates the supremacy of wisdom over wealth. Solomon asked for the ability to wisely lead the nation of Israel and God was pleased with the request. So pleased, in fact, that God gave himbothwisdom and wealth.

Much can be said about this chapter, but the striking principle that rings in my mind today is the importance of seeking wisdom. When given the choice, will I pursue to grow in my understanding of God and his ways for my life, or will I pursue fame and fortune? God honors those who seek him and his truth. Sometimes, he even gives wisdom and additional blessings to those who focus on his priorities first.

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Dillon Burroughs is the author and coauthor of numerous books and is handwriting a copy of all 31,173 verses of the Bible at HolyWritProject.com. Find out more about Dillon at Facebook.com/readdB or readdB.com.