The NIV 365 Day Devotional

What Kind of Wisdom Does God Give?

29 God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. 30 Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. 31 He was wiser than anyone else, including Ethan the Ezrahite—wiser than Heman, Kalkol and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations. 32 He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. 33 He spoke about plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also spoke about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. 34 From all nations people came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom.

1 Kings 4:29-34

The Bible describes two types of wisdom: worldly wisdom and wisdom that comes from God. The book of James says that the wisdom of the world is earthly, unspiritual, demonic (Jas 3:13 – 16). People who depend on worldly wisdom tend to cultivate envy and selfish ambition, which cause disorder and destruction of community.

According to James, the wisdom of God cultivates peaceful relationships. The type of wisdom God gives takes into account the interests of others. It is characterized by sincerity. The wisdom of God helps people be objective and impartial in their decision making (Jas 3:17).

This was the type of wisdom that Solomon asked God for and received from him. Wisdom enabled Solomon to ask probing questions and make knowledgeable decisions. This is the type of wisdom available to anyone who simply asks God for it (Jas 1:5).

The Hebrew word for wisdom also suggests skill. Solomon’s skills were varied and impressive. He was a poet, naturalist and teacher. Like Solomon, we possess wisdom — that is, a set of skills. God blesses each one of us at conception with aptitudes. Though our individual skills vary, we can choose to use them to serve God and others and to apply God’s Word to our daily lives.

Taken from The NIV Quest Study Bible.