Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding (KJV).
Where knowledge gives us recognition or the what in a given situation, wisdom gives the application or the how, along with the intent and the why behind it. Understanding means insight or comprehension, and fits things together. It is often gained through experience. But for now, the primary focus will be on wisdom. In various areas of Scripture, we are exhorted to get or ask for wisdom. It is a very important aspect to every believer’s walk. But the question is: is it enough to live a godly life? When it comes to personalities in the Bible, often Solomon is thought of in relation to wisdom. After all, “He was wiser than all men . . .” (1Kings 4:31). We are told that people were astounded by Solomon’s wisdom, and would come for miles just to hear him speak. This included the queen of Sheba. With all of his wisdom, did Solomon live a godly life, well-pleasing to God? Scripture tells us that the things written in the Bible are for our instruction in righteousness, and serve as examples for us learn from. Having said that, let me preface what is about to be said before going any further. We are not to stand in judgment of anyone, regardless of time reference (past, present, or future). The intent is learning; not pointing the finger. Generally speaking, it is best to leave personalities out of it.
In 1Kings 9:4-5, the Lord said to Solomon, “If thou wilt walk before me, as David they father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments: Then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel.” Solomon had wisdom, but did he have integrity of heart and did he walk in uprightness? A person can have great wisdom, but without a heart after God, he lacks the capacity to walk upright before the Lord. 1Kings 11:1-2 tells us that, “King Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; Of the nations concerning which the Lord said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love” (emphasis added). Solomon had seven-hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines. In verse four it says that, “His wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father.” One verse of Scripture is very shocking, especially in light of all the wisdom that God bestowed upon Solomon: “And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father” (emphasis added, 1Kings 11:6). Even though the Lord had visited Solomon twice, his heart turned away from the Lord. The result was the kingdom being taken from Solomon’s son, and the Israel being divided. Even though Solomon had more wisdom than anyone of his time and before, it did not prevent him from turning away from the Lord.
Having great wisdom does not guarantee that one will walk with the Lord. If we trust in our wisdom, or knowledge and understanding for that matter, we can enter into the realm of the self-deceived. It is not enough to just have wisdom, wisdom has to be applied. Essentially, if we do not apply what’s been given to us, and if we fail to take the Word of God seriously, we become fools. We have to take God at His Word. We are called to examine ourselves by the Holy Spirit in order ensure we are in the faith. More than that, we are called to love the Lord with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Without the later, we will not chase after Him. Perhaps while we ask for wisdom, we should also cry out: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).
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