What Wisdom Does God Value Most?

What is the most important attribute that one can chase after? A simple internet search shows that many articles are concerned with knowledge among other qualities. While knowledge is a desired trait for so many of us, is it the most important trait? Prudence is defined as: the quality of being prudent; cautiousness. If you were to look up synonyms for this word you would find: wisdom.

An unknown author is quoted as saying: “Knowledge is knowing what to say. Wisdom is knowing when to say it.” Anthony T. Hincks said: “Your knowledge is not in question, but your wisdom is.” I got a fortune cookie one time that stated: “Prudence keeps life safe, but does not often make it happy.” Is our caution and application of wisdom when it comes to God’s Word a “sorrowful” life? Consider the life of Solomon:

The Wisest Man, King, & Results

Solomon showed prudence before he had God’s blessing and as a result, the Lord was with him (2 Chronicles 1:1). This was because Solomon put God first (2 Chronicles 1:2-6). Then, Solomon showed prudence when God offered him a blessing (2 Chronicles 1:7). Solomon understood God’s role in his kingship and that he would not be king without God’s blessing (2 Chronicles 1:8-9)! Therefore, Solomon asked for what he knew would bless God’s people: wisdom (2 Chronicles 1:10). God allowed Solomon to have his request and even gave bonus blessings making him the greatest earthly king our world has ever seen (2 Chronicles 1:11-12; 2 Chronicles 9:13-28). We cannot overlook the importance of what God says makes a nation strong. Solomon’s kingdom was strong because of the economics and military presence (2 Chronicles 1:13-17). It was strong because of his ability to bring “well-known” people to his kingdom (2 Chronicles 9:1-2). It was strong because of his ability to bring those who had a lesser understanding of God to know more about Him (2 Chronicles 9:3-13). It was strong because of how he protected his subjects (1 Kings 3:16-28). Today, the same could be said of any nation that seeks the wisdom that God requires as Solomon did.

The Wisest Fool

‌ Sadly, Solomon did not always persist in the path of wisdom. There was a time in his life when he willingly turned off the wisdom that God had blessed him with and sought after women that the Lord had called strange (1 Kings 11:1). God did not have something against these women because of their nationality, but rather the allegiances they had toward idolatrous gods (1 Kings 11:2). The very warning that God had wisely provided, Solomon ignored and allowed these women to turn his heart (1 Kings 11:3-4)! One of the gods that Solomon built high places for was the god “Molech” which required children to be sacrificed or “passed through the fire” as a method of worship (1 Kings 11:5-7; 2 Kings 23:10). God had done exstensive warnings of worshiping Molech (Leviticus 18:21; 20:1-5; Jeremiah 32:35). Because of this, God punished Solomon and tore the kingdom (save one tribe) away and gave it to his servants (1 Kings 11:8-14, 23, 26). He had adversaries the rest of his life. It did not have to be this way! God had given him the very wisdom that was needed to be who and what He needed Solomon to be. How sad that Solomon chose to lose his kingdom over the pleasures of sin for a season.

Text Takeaways

As we think about our own lives, it is important to note that we are no different than Solomon. We can be blessed to have wisdom and throw it all away. For this reason, let’s consider some takeaways from our text.

#1. It is possible to allow relationships to destroy us. Solomon had such a good thing going.No one can deny that he was the wisest that ever lived on the earth outside of Jesus. No one can deny all the good he began doing. No one can deny all that he had done before his wisdom increased.He threw it all away for relationships that did not matter the most. Friends, it is so important that we do not allow relationships to keep us from God. You know of some relationships in your life (past, present, and in some cases yet future) that are toxic to your faith. “Well, I know how to handle them.” “I am smart enough to answer their skeptical concerns.” Are we to suggest that our knowledge is greater than Solomon? If he can allow relationships to destroy him we can too.

#2. It is possible to utilize prudence. Solomon started off using prudence. I know that one can live a life full of wisdom because of what he shows me one can do with God on their side. I know that he could have continued on the path he started if he did not turn off the wisdom he had been blessed to have. There can be no doubt that he knew what was right. What excuse could Solomon give? “I didn’t know any better?” We know better and the same will be true of us on the Day of Judgment (Matthew 7:13-14; 21-23).

#3. The New Testament also teaches us how to have wisdom. You may be thinking “Michael, your  example(s) you used come from the OT. So how can that apply to us?” First, we know the whole Bible is profitable (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  Secondly, the OT was written for our learning (Romans 15:4). The New Testament has much to say about wisdom. Second Peter is about how people had at one time come to the knowledge of God and then later became unfruitful. Essentially, they had wisdom as their daily living and like Solomon turned from it. They were called to life and godliness through knowledge (2 Peter 1:2-8). They escaped but were again entangled (2 Peter 2:18-22). They were instructed to grow in grace and knowledge (2 Peter 3:18).

#4. What you know and how you live are two different matters. Solomon knew what was right. What good is head knowledge if you cannot apply it to your life? Remember, a lot of brilliant people will not be known on the day of Judgment (Matthew 7:13-14). So, Why should we allow that to be our story? Why should we reject wisdom? Remember, wisdom is the principal thing (Proverbs 4:11).