Wise Thinking

Wise Thinking

Bible: 1 kings 3:5-8

Give your servant a discerning heart (V.9).

Two people both claimed to own the same curly-haired white dog. The argument was so heated it actually led to a date in court. Before making a final decision, the judge decided to let the dog loose in the courtroom.

The dog immediately ran to his real owner and the case was closed. Solomon, a judge and ruler in Israel needed to sort out a much bigger issue. Two women came to him, each claiming to be the mother of the same baby boy. After listening to each woman’s argument, he asked for a sword to cut the baby in half. The real mother begged the king to give the baby to the other woman, choosing to save her son’s life even if she could not have him (1 KINGS 3:26). Solomon gave the baby to her.

Wise thinking like this is really important as we work out what’s right and wrong, good and bad, in all the different situations we go through. If we really want to live wise lives, we can ask God to give us wisdom, just as Solomon did (V.9). God may answer our prayer by helping us balance our needs with the needs of the people in our lives. Or He may teach us about choosing long-term gain over instant happiness so that we can please Him in the decisions we make. Our God is not only the perfect judge, but also our personal teacher and trainer who gives us lots of good and wise lessons (JAS. 1:5).

To pray about . . .

Thank You, Father, that You will guide me through each day. Please show me how to make choices that please You and show Your wisdom to others.

IF ANY OF YOU LACKS WISDOM, YOU SHOULD ASK GOD. JAMES 1:5

Youth Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries