WISDOM BEGINS IN HUMILITY
Kyle Laws
Today’s Scripture: “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?” 1 Kings 3:9, ESV
Theme: Solomon initially honors God by humbly seeking wisdom above anything else. God tells us to do the same and promises to generously give us the wisdom we need (James 1:5).
A KING WHO KNEW HIS NEED
When Solomon became king of Israel, he inherited both the throne and the responsibility of leading God’s chosen people. When God appeared to Solomon in a dream and offered him anything he desired, Solomon did not ask for wealth, long life, or victory over his enemies. Instead, he asked for something profoundly humble, “Give your servant 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?” At the heart of this request are three truths that shape a life of wisdom: embracing the identity of a servant, seeking an understanding mind, and being willing to admit “I don’t know.”
THE POSTURE OF A SERVANT
Solomon begins this prayer with the words, “Give your servant…” Though he was a king seated on a throne, he saw himself first as a servant before God. By calling himself a servant, Solomon placed himself in the right posture; his identity was not rooted in the crown he wore but in the God he served. For us, the same posture is essential. Before we are friends, workers, parents, or leaders, we are servants of God. True wisdom begins when we stop trying to be the master of our own lives and instead surrender. Jesus modeled this perfectly, “The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28 NIV) If the King of kings chose to serve, how much more should we?
AN UNDERSTANDING MIND
Solomon was not asking for more information, clever strategies, or sharper reasoning skills. He wanted a heart that could truly listen to God, to His Word, and His people. Knowledge alone is not enough. We live in a world overflowing with information; at the touch of a screen, we have access to libraries of facts and endless opinions. Knowledge without understanding can make us arrogant, impatient, or shallow. Wisdom, however, seeks to discern, not to answer quickly. “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19, ESV).
STRENGTH IN NOT KNOWING
When Solomon asked, “Who is able to govern this your great people?” Solomon admits, “I don’t know how to do this. I don’t have what it takes on my own.” This admission isn’t weakness - it’s the doorway to strength! When we believe we already know enough, we assume we’ve heard someone’s story before, so we half-listen. We think we know how life will unfold, so we stop being curious. We even come to God with the answers we prefer already in mind, asking Him to bless our plans rather than following His.
“If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know” (1 Corinthians 8:2 ESV). Knowledge without humility is like a house with no windows. We may have walls lined with books, but the air is stale, and no new light gets in - pride in our “knowing” closes us off from new revelation. When we admit we don’t know fully, we become curious to learn, open to correction, and more engaged in the present.
Make It Personal: True wisdom begins with the right posture; seeing ourselves first as servants of God, humble enough to listen and follow. How can you, like Solomon, seek wisdom, humility, and the heart of a servant?
Pray: Lord, teach us to walk in humility, seeing ourselves as Your servant. Give us an understanding mind that listens, discerns, and stays calm in the midst of life’s storms. Help us to loosen our grips on knowing everything, and give us the courage to say, “I don’t know, Lord, but You do,” trusting You to guide our steps and fill our hearts with Your wisdom. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Read: 1 Kings 3:9, James 1:5-8, Matthew 20:28, 1 Corinthians 8:2
Weekly Memory Verse: “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14, ESV