The Prerequisite for Other Blessings

Daily Devotional: Tuesday, February 23, 2022

Ask! What shall I give you?

1 Kings 3:5 (NKJV)

Money is important but it is not everything. In fact, the most valuable assets of life are priceless. They include life, happiness, love, time, peace, trust, respect, truth and talent, among others.

From experience, many challenges I face do not require money to solve. They involve making decisions that affect other people. For example, conflict management is often about values, principles and egos, not money.

Guidance in Decision-Making

I would love my life to have clear black or white signposts but that is not the case. There are many grey areas. I need guidance to make the right decisions, many of which have serious ramifications.

What I need is not money but knowledge, understanding and wisdom. The ability to differentiate good from evil and to make decisions that impact others positively is more critical than financial might.

Ask! What Shall I Give You?  

Which is why I identify with Solomon when God told Him, “Ask! What shall I give you?  (1 Kings 3:5). The young king could have asked for money, wealth, power and long life. He chose something else—something more valuable.

Solomon asked God, “Give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” (1 Kings 3:9).

Divine Wisdom Attracts Riches, Honor and Long Life

God was so delighted with this request that He added Solomon what the latter had not asked for: riches, honor and long life. What a powerful lesson! When we prioritize divine wisdom, the other blessings come as a bonus.

God knows you need wisdom every day because you want to do as He pleases. When you exercise the wisdom that God gives you, you will get wealth, respect, and a long life. These are bonuses for acquiring divine wisdom.

Seek First the Wisdom of God and His Righteousness

Jesus stated it this way: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33).

Here is a powerful promise to cap this devotional: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5). 

Prayer

Almighty God, give me Your wisdom as You gave to Solomon.