Old Wisdom for a New World (1 Kings 3:5-14)

It takes wisdom and discernment to navigate the complex realities of interpersonal or social conflict or to find truth in the sea of disinformation. So, how do we become wise? In this passage, Solomon recognizes he is still a child and does not know how to lead the people of Israel. Instead of asking for wealth, military victory, or a long life, he asks for “a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.” When we turn in prayer to the source of infinite wisdom, with humility as we acknowledge our limitations and rely on God’s revealed word and the community of faith, our hearts are shaped in such a way that we are able to walk in faithfulness with the one who modeled for us true wisdom and shows us what is true, what is good, what is necessary, and what is right.