So what is the genesis of wisdom? There was certainly wisdom on display in the lives of many in the book of Genesis: Noah, Abraham, and Joseph are wonderful examples of men whose wisdom led them to greatness. In all cases, wisdom was displayed in their lives by hearing God's command and obeying it. Can we say then that wisdom originates with God, particularly in His Word? Wouldn't wisdom on our part then be obedience to that command? If we would live wisely we would follow God's commands for the conduct of our lives, love the Lord your God with everything within you and love your neighbor as yourself. We think we know how to do that yet do any of us keep that first command well?
We are told that Solomon was the wisest man in the world and that all the world knew of his wisdom and that the queen of Sheba particularly came to Israel to see this wonder. We are also told the genesis of this wisdom in 1 Kings 3 when the Lord told him to ask for anything, similar to some of Jesus' words that anything we ask in His Name will be granted to us. What was Solomon's request? "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?"
That request puts us back into the garden. He asked the Lord for the ability to discern between good and evil, not seeking it in books or learning or any other place, but from the Lord. We may not need the wisdom to govern as Solomon did, but what wisdom do you need for today? Seek this wisdom of the Lord, knowing that this is a prayer that pleased the Lord. It is a prayer that is obedient to Jesus' command in Matthew 6 to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. If there is one thing I need above all else it is wisdom for the journey and the journey actually begins in this prayer.
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