by AmericanBoy

Created on: April 18, 2010   Last Updated: April 23, 2010

His father was one of the most famous and beloved Kings of Israel. He himself built the very first Temple in Jerusalem, providing the central place of worship for all of Israel. During his lifetime, he accumulated incredible wealth, fame, and power. He lived a storied life of tremendous accomplishments, the kind of life that the average person would only dream of. He was so renowned throughout the world that other dignitaries would travel to his kingdom and seek out his wisdom. His name was King Solomon. If there is any one biblical author who speaks of the nature and benefits of wisdom, it is he. Often we are confronted with the very same question faced by Solomon early in his life so long ago; is it wise to trust God?

How many times have you felt the weight of responsibility weighing heavily on your own shoulders? Confronted with your own limitations, have you found yourself unable to fully comprehend what it even means to trust God? Do not let your heart be troubled. God sees you and He understands your situation. There is good news for the weary of heart. The Lord knows our limitations and shortcomings. And as Solomon discovered, He esteems the man whose heart is set on gaining and applying wisdom.

Solomon's quest for wisdom began with his final encounter with his father, the great King David. In the book of I Kings Chapter 2, verses 1-4 we read, "When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son. "I am about to go the way of all the earth," he said. "So be strong, show yourself a man, and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in his ways, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and requirements, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go, and that the LORD may keep his promise to me: 'If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.'" Ultimately, a lifetime of experience and consequence had taught King David a valuable lesson; the wisest thing his son could do in life was to trust God enough to follow His commands.

This final charge must have presented the new King with a tremendous sense of obligation, "Observe what the Lord requires." His father was asking him to demonstrate his trust in God by walking in His ways and keeping His commands. This would be easier said than done. Solomon must have felt both inspired and overwhelmed.

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