A Wise and Discerning Mind

He was known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects. The name Solomon comes from the Hebrew word ‘shalom’ meaning peace. Solomon was born to David and Bathsheba, and God chose him to succeed David as king of Israel. Solomon started out well and loved the Lord, so much so that in a dream God said, “Ask what I should give you” (1 Kings 3:5). and Solomon asked for a wise and discerning mind. As his wealth increased, he stopped living as God intended, he formed marriage alliances with foreign nations and eventually sowed seeds of oppression and division. You can read about some of Solomons errors in 1 Kings 11.

Despite his failings Solomon is remembered for practical wisdom that we can apply to our work, money, indulgences, relationships, family, behaviours, and attitudes (read Proverbs). At times he grapples with the meaning of life (see Ecclesiastes), and is credited with the beautiful expression of intimacy between husband and wife in the Songs of Songs.

So, what can we learn from Solomon`s life, how can we live as God intended in every area of life? And how can we be wise and discerning today? Too often we start with good intentions, then for one reason or another we start to become distracted, too busy, fearful, resentful, angry, bitter. Spend time today, to invite Jesus to be Lord of every area of your life. Remembering that, ‘a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger’ (Proverbs 15:1); ‘A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones’ (Proverbs 17:22) and to ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding’ (Proverbs 3:5).