Wisdom, Words, and Wealth

O. T. #933  "Wisdom, Words, and Wealth
Feb. 24, 2017
1 Chronicles 1-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Why is it in the religious circle that a person is considered blessed when they have wealth? Could it be a deduction from Solomon's being blessed since he only asked for wisdom?
What do wisdom, words, and wealth have in common? Let's check it out.

After Solomon made tremendous burnt offerings to God before his leaders at Gibeon, that night God came to him in a dream. God told the new king of Israel, Solomon, to ask and God would give it to him.
What did he ask for, but wisdom and understanding to rule over His people.
God granted Solomon that wisdom and understanding, for he wrote 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 psalms.

In addition to those, God gave him riches, wealth, and glory, like no kings before him nor to follow after him. (verse 12)
If Solomon obeyed God's decrees and commands and followed Him, then Solomon would be given a long life, too. (1 Kings 3:14)

Solomon woke up and realized it had been a dream. (1 Kings 3:15)
He returned to Jerusalem and made more burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Ark of the Covenant. Then he invited all his officials to a great banquet.(1 Kings 3:15)

Did Solomon put his people first when he asked God for wisdom instead of riches? Definitely so. Isn't wisdom the most valuable asset anyone could have?

Proverbs 3:15 describes wisdom as more precious than jewels; nothing you desire compares with her.

Is not the same wisdom which was available to Solomon available to us, friends?
How can we acquire wisdom?

Life Application Study Bible answers that question:

First, we must ask God, who "gives to all generously and without criticizing" (James 1:5). Second, we must devote ourselves wholeheartedly to studying and applying God's Word, the source of divine wisdom to our lives.

Are we willing to follow the Holy Spirit and obey God's Word?

LET IT GROW

The NLT Chronological Bible gives verses 14-17 after Solomon builds the Temple, dedicates it and places the Ark inside.
Solomon's wealth included:

• 1,400 chariots,
• 12,000 horsemen,
• silver and gold so plenteous and as common as stones,
• cedar as abundant as sycamore in the Judean foothills,
• the king's horses came from Egypt and Kue, a region in Turkey, as well as
• the king's chariot;
• the kings of the Hittites and Aram were sold horses and chariots also.

(The Hittites were those people who were expelled from Palestine, who lived north of Israel and northwest of Syria, according to MacArthur.)

Solomon's wealth was a symbol of God's blessing his life and was a reward for seeking God's wisdom. However, kings were warned to not acquire horses from Egypt nor large amounts of silver. (Deut. 17:16-17)

Did Solomon use God's wisdom to acquire such wealth? Are we using our wisdom for God's glory? Are we using our money for His service and purposes?

LET IT GO

Father God, I need wisdom daily as I write about your Words on Your blog, to be used for Your glory. Will You please grant me this wisdom? What does Your Word have to say to us today, in our world, and in our time?
Help us all remain faithfully students of Your Holy Word and apply it to our life.
Thank You for what You teach us. Your blessings overflow in our soul.
Bless the Lord, o my soul, and all that is within me, bless His Holy name.
May we share this wealth of knowledge with others.
Keep us hungry for Your Word, Lord Jesus.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.