2 Chronicles 1:1-12 Selected (NKJV) Solomon Requests Wisdom
1 Now Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him and exalted him exceedingly……..6 And Solomon went up there to the bronze altar before the Lord, which was at the tabernacle of meeting, and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it. 7 On that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “Ask! What shall I give you?” 8 And Solomon said to God: “You have shown great mercy to David my father, and have made me king in his place. 9 Now, O Lord God, let Your promise to David my father be established, for You have made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. 10 Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of Yours?” 11 Then God said to Solomon: “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life—but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king— 12 wisdom and knowledge are granted to you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings have had who were before you, nor shall any after you have the like.”
My Grandfather was named Solomon. There is something special in that name that brings wisdom. He was a wise man who knew when to speak and when not to speak. He had a way about him that brought people to him. He was respected. He was bold. He had business acumen. He came to the US in 1938 after fleeing Germany with his family leaving behind everything to take a janitor’s job in a hotel where he scrubbed floors. A few years later, he was back running his own business. Solomon and my Uncle Marty ran Marty’s Superette in New York City which was a local grocery store. I delivered groceries for them when I was a teenager. The point being, Solomon was not going to stay a janitor.
As much as he knew about business, he knew more about people. Solomon knew that how you got along with others was really the most important thing. Relationships are most important. Wisdom and knowledge in a vacuum don’t amount to much. God gave us the Ten Commandments which are about our relationships to Him and each other. My Opah, Solomon, knew how to make each person feel special. He gave his full attention to you when you spoke.
What is wisdom? Is it knowing what to do, how to do it or why it should be done? I am of the opinion it is why you do it. Both Solomons knew that why mattered! The “why” is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. We are taught to “seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.” Both Solomons were Godly men who drew closer to the Lord. When you follow the Lord, He will make your way blessed. Solomon, Son of David, was the wealthiest man who ever lived. He lived in splendor. Solomon, Son of Hertz, my Opah, was wealthy in relationships. Wherever he went, there were friends or soon to be friends. He was very funny too! Like I said, there is something special about the name.
Father, teach us the why of life. We know You give us the talents needed and provide the resources. Help us to live each day with goodness in our hearts to love those whom You love. Draw us closer to You. Help us to bring glory to You in thought, word and deed! In Your name we pray.