Wisdom that Comes from Above

by: Atty. Carolina Lim-Gamban

In the midst of numerous people, Solomon, who was still in his youth, was tasked to lead the people as the baton of leadership was passed on by King David. With wisdom and understanding, he was able to lead the nation to its glorious days where kings and queens all over the world came to see his marvelous works, and listen to his answers to difficult questions.  However, in all Solomon’s achievements and accolades, the skills, knowledge, and wisdom did not come from his own effort. It was bestowed upon him by God Almighty – a wisdom that comes from Above.
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When King David died, it was difficult for Solomon to lead the people amid wars and contention within the family. At a young age, he was given difficult instructions by his father David before he died. If you were Solomon, how would you handle the situation? It is a good thing that King David had a covenant with God and one night, God came to Solomon in a dream and asked him what he wanted. If you were Solomon at that time, what could you have asked? Riches? Glory? Long life? Special powers? Whatever is in your mind, that is what is in your heart. God was delighted with what Solomon asked Him. He said, “Lord my God, You have now made Your servant king in my father David’s place. Yet I am just a youth with no experience in leadership. Your servant is among Your people You have chosen, a people too numerous to be numbered or counted. So give Your servant an obedient heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil.” He neither asked for long life, riches nor the death of his enemies, rather he asked for discernment to understand justice. With that, God granted him wisdom and an understanding heart.

In the present, one may wonder if there could also be leaders who will bring the nation, the local government, or even agencies to its greater heights. This is not impossible if we ask wisdom from Above. It is written, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” This wisdom that comes from Above is not the superficial wisdom or one that can be mistaken to be intelligence. Wisdom from Above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. It is one that heed to elder’s instruction, listens to advice, and accepts discipline. It is not boastful nor full of pride but is manifested by deeds done in humility and is seen through one’s good life. The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord – when we acknowledge that apart from Him, we know nor have nothing. Seek God and you will find wisdom, ask Him and He will give you generously.