The Crown Season 3, Episode 2 (Wisdom)

Introduction

Part of a series on "The Crown" (focusing on kings of Israel)

Focus on Solomon, the third king of Israel

Context: Solomon has just been crowned king after a contested succession

Note about Solomon being the son of David, connecting to God's promise and ultimately to Jesus

Main Text: 1 Kings 3:4-14

Solomon goes to Gibeon to offer sacrifices

God appears to Solomon in a dream, offering him whatever he wants

Solomon acknowledges God's kindness to his father David

Solomon expresses humility: "I am only a little child"

Solomon asks for wisdom: "a discerning heart" to govern and distinguish right from wrong

God is pleased with this request

God grants Solomon wisdom and adds wealth, honor, and the promise of long life (conditional on obedience)

Central Question

If we were in Solomon's position, what would we ask for?

The story invites self-examination about our own priorities and desires

What is Wisdom?

The ability to lead others well

Everyone leads in some capacity

People should want to follow your example

Wisdom helps you lead people toward peace, hope, and joy

Knowing the difference between right and wrong

Recognizing actions that lead to life versus death

Understanding consequences of behaviors, attitudes, and words

How to Obtain Wisdom

Ask for it

"Ask" appears six times in the passage

Wisdom must be actively sought

James 1:5-8: Ask God for wisdom without doubting

Proverbs 3:13-18: Wisdom is more valuable than precious metals or jewels

Recognize God as the giver

"Give" appears five times in the passage

God is generous, not stingy

James 1:5: God "gives generously to all without finding fault"

Matthew 7:7-11: God gives good gifts to those who ask

Acknowledge your need for wisdom

Solomon: "I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties"

Similar humility seen in Jeremiah 1:6

Matthew 18:1-4: Becoming like children to enter the kingdom

Know wisdom's value

Proverbs 3:13-18: Wisdom brings blessing, prosperity, long life, honor, pleasant ways, peace

Wisdom helps navigate difficult times with grace and hope

Wisdom guides us in times of blessing, keeping us from pride

Conclusion

Proverbs 9:10: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom"

Wisdom is merging God's heart, soul, and mind with our own

Wisdom brings life to ourselves and the world around us

Self-reflection: What do we truly want? What is our vision for life?