A hearing heart

The Gift of Wisdom: Seeking a Hearing Heart

Bible Passage: 1 Kings 3:1-14

This passage recounts God's appearance to Solomon in a dream, where Solomon famously asks for wisdom to govern his people rather than wealth or long life. God is pleased with Solomon's request and grants him unparalleled wisdom, alongside riches and honor.

in our daily lives, the pursuit of wisdom over material gain leads to a fulfilling and purposeful life. It encourages us to seek divine guidance in our decisions and prioritizes spiritual discernment over worldly success.

These verses focus on the importance of a 'hearing heart'—the ability to listen and discern God's will, which is essential for effective leadership and personal conduct. It emphasizes that true wisdom begins with a humble and teachable spirit that seeks God above all.

For us we have one that is greater than Solomon. Jesus Christ is our wisdom. the true source of all wisdom.

1 Corinthians 1:24 ESV

but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Matthew 12:42 ESV

The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.

James 3:13–18 ESV

Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

1. Seek God in Worship

1 Kings 3:1–4 ESV

Solomon made a marriage alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt. He took Pharaoh’s daughter and brought her into the city of David until he had finished building his own house and the house of the Lord and the wall around Jerusalem. The people were sacrificing at the high places, however, because no house had yet been built for the name of the Lord. Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father, only he sacrificed and made offerings at the high places. And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place. Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar.

2. Desire a Discerning Heart

1 Kings 3:5–9 ESV

At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”

We see here Solomon's request for a 'hearing heart.' When God offers Solomon anything he desires, Solomon's choice reflects selflessness and a commitment to serve others. This part underscores the importance of desiring wisdom not for personal gain, but for the benefit of God's people.

3. Receive God's Abundant Blessings

1 Kings 3:10–14 ESV

It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”

We were deceived by the wisdom of the serpent, but we are freed by the foolishness of God.Saint Augustine of Hippo

22  Our wisdom, in so far as it ought to be deemed true and solid Wisdom, consists almost entirely of two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves. John Calvin Institutes of the Christian Religion (16th century)

John Calvin (French Reformer)

Patience is the companion of wisdom.Saint Augustine of Hippo

There is no wisdom but that which is founded on the fear of God.

John Calvin (French Reformer)