Creator, Father, King #112

Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.

AFTER KING DAVID DIED, his son Solomon ascended to Israel’s throne.

Solomon quickly ordered the deaths of a handful of men who had acted treacherously against his father. He also banished a disloyal priest and married the daughter of Egypt’s Pharaoh for a strategic political alliance.

Phew! Being an ancient king was a dangerous, complicated business!

But even as he consolidated his power, Solomon loved the Lord and wanted to follow him. One night, God appeared to him in a dream.

“What do you want?” God said. “Ask, and I will give it to you!” (1 Kings 3:5).

Wow! What an opportunity! Heaven’s treasures were at Solomon’s disposal. What would you have asked for in his place? Riches? Fame? A huge mansion? Never-ending detention for all school bullies? A lifetime’s supply of fudge brownies? The options were endless.

Here’s how Solomon responded: “Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?” (1 Kings 3:9).

God was so pleased with Solomon’s humble response that he granted his request—and much more. Solomon became the richest, wisest, most famous king in antiquity. (You can read the whole story in 1 Kings 3:1-15; see also 4:20-34.)

What’s It Mean?

Solomon knew leading Israel would be a huge job—one he couldn’t possibly do by himself. That’s why he sought divine wisdom. God granted his request in spades.

Everyone needs wisdom. But few people know where to find it. True spiritual wisdom doesn’t come from libraries, school textbooks, the entertainment industry, or an old sage sitting cross-legged on a mountaintop.

As today’s verse says, true wisdom starts with the “fear of the LORD.” This has nothing to do with fright or terror. This refers to a reverential awe of God and worshipful devotion to him. Seeking God is like laying a “foundation of wisdom” in life. As we grow in our faith and pursue God, he will build a sturdy structure of spiritual knowledge on that rock-solid base. All other pursuits of spiritual wisdom are in vain.

God has done unimaginable things to show you his love and save you through his Son. Fear him. Worship him. Adore him. Love him. Follow him.

This is the foundation—the starting point—of true wisdom in life.

Now What?

Read Solomon’s thoughts about godly wisdom in Proverbs 1–4.

Did You Know?

Israel’s kingdom was the largest and wealthiest under Solomon’s reign (c. 970–930 BC). He also replaced the Tabernacle with God’s magnificent Temple in Jerusalem.