Devising Wisely

Based on 1 Kings 3-5, Luke 20:1-26

Problem management. Problem-solving. It's the challenge we face on all levels on all days, whether great or small. We have so many of our own problems, and we even extend ourselves to help others with theirs. As it's often said, "You're either going into conflict, in it, or coming out of it." And the only way to devise wisely what to do at each stage is to have the wisdom of God!

"And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing."

1 Kings 3:7‭-‬10.

Above everything Solomon could ask God for, he asked for wisdom! He seemed to be wise already to even ask for such a thing! The wisdom & understanding of God is a treasure which can't be stolen, since it dwells within us (especially today, when we receive the Holy Ghost!). Solomon hadn't even received the Holy Ghost since it was not poured out yet in that time, but God gave him INCREDIBLE wisdom, which helped him in seemingly impossible situations. He even figured out which baby belonged to a mother, even before they could be tested for DNA evidence! God's wisdom ALWAYS surpasses that of this world! He helps us make sense of things as the world tries its best to confuse us...

Since Solomon asked for wisdom, God rewarded him for his humble request by letting him have an abundance of blessings in this life:

"And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days."

1 Kings 3:11‭-‬13.

Now with the gift of great wisdom, Solomon would have figured out how to obtain those things...but God blessed him for his reliance on Him! When we pray & rely on God's wisdom to help us problem-solve and accomplish our goals, we get a lot more out of it than just an answer! Pray! Seek God! Wait on Him! Be open to the salvation plan of repentance, water baptism in Jesus' Name & receiving the Holy Ghost & get ready to be equipped for whatever conflict comes next!

"And they watched him , and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor. And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any , but teachest the way of God truly:Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Cæsar, or no? But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me? Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Cæsar's. And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Cæsar the things which be Cæsar's, and unto God the things which be God's. And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace." Luke 20:20‭-‬26

This is the wisdom of God! He is wise beyond our craftiness. When we think we are being "smart," God is being truly "wise!" God's wisdom works, while ours tends to fail...especially when we have ill intentions, as these did above...beyond our heads, God knows our hearts. Beyond what seems right for us, God knows what's best! The fear of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). Trusting Him is the smartest choice we will EVER make!