Imagine a cosmic game show like “Let’s Make a Deal.” The contestant is offered a prize of inestimable worth behind one of four doors. The question is, which door is of greatest worth … Door #1 – Wisdom; Door #2 – Long life; Door #3 – Riches; and Door #4 – Victory over all adversaries? The countdown begins – the music plays – the tension builds… Which door should the contestant choose – which door will the contestant choose?
I thought of that imaginary scenario this morning as I read the story of Solomon, David’s son who followed him as king… Here’s the account from the Bible (1 Kings 3:5–14 ESV) …
“At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, ‘Ask what I shall give you.’ [Which door would you choose? Which door is best?]
“And Solomon said, ‘You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?’ [Solomon chose door #1 – the door of wisdom in the fear or reverence of God]
“It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, ‘Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.’” [And the prize … the blessing? Solomon was given wisdom – and what was behind all the other doors as well; long life, riches, and victory over all his adversaries!]
After reading this passage this morning this is the question I asked myself… Which door would I choose? Which would I consider the best gift? After examining my heart I decided that Solomon was right! Wisdom, the byproduct of reverencing God, is the best gift! Hear me Lord… I want what the Bible calls “Wisdom!” – “Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and my yield than choice silver! … Whoever find me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord!” (Proverbs 8:18-19, 35)
