2 Chronicles 1:11–12: “Then God said to Solomon: “‘Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life—but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king—wisdom and knowledge are granted to you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings have had who have been before you, nor shall any after you have the like.’”

September 18th, 2023 by Pastor Ed in devotional

According to 1 Kings 3:9, when Solomon requested wisdom and knowledge to lead God’s people, God gave Solomon “understanding” or “a listening heart.” And the result of that listening heart was the gift of “wisdom and knowledge.” This event, more than any other in the Old Testament, reminds us of the New Testament principle found in James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God . . . and it will be given to him.” Wisdom is ours for the asking.

Wisdom comes in the shape of a listening heart. As we follow Solomon’s life, we find that when he stopped listening to God, the wisdom dried up and things fell apart. Someone is probably asking, “A listening heart? Who was he listening to?” Solomon was called on to make legal judgments in disputes, where he needed to listen carefully to both sides of an argument. So the phrase “listening heart” can refer to the need of the king to listen carefully to his people. But by far the most crucial thing he, and we, need to listen to is the voice of God Himself.

In the New Testament, we are told to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17). But how do we accomplish this with all the distracting thoughts and tasks that pass through our minds all day? How in the world can we be in prayer at all times? The answer is here: we are to seek for, cultivate in our lives, a listening heart. If we are using all our mental, emotional, and spiritual facilities as we go through our daily routine, we will always be close to prayer. Having a listening heart means having a prayerful attitude as we walk though the issues of the day. If we begin the day prayerfully, then we stand a much better chance of remaining in tune to His voice of wisdom throughout the rest of the day.

“LORD, help us to stay tuned into Your voice this day, in Jesus’ name.”