Wisdom

In I Kings chapter 3 we are told that King David, the great shepherd king has died, and his son Solomon is taking up his role as the new King. Yet it is significant that this ancient story dwells more on the humanity and choice of Solomon to seek the gift of wisdom to help him fulfill his task. For when coming before the Lord his God in the story, Solomon takes a humble stance, saying how he is “only a little child” and needs an understanding mind, able to discern between good and evil so he could govern his people wisely.

Indeed, as the Scripture stories go on in the book of I Kings, Solomon becomes known for his wisdom and there is a Scripture book called ‘The Wisdom of Solomon’. ‘Wisdom’ in the Hebrew Scriptures, ‘Hokma’, or ‘Sophia’ a divine trait and a divine figure calling out for people to listen to God’s voice amidst contrary voices and make wise choices that treat people as worthy of God’s hospitality and mercy. In the New Testament the call to seek Wisdom connects with God’s kingdom, which is often revealed by what and who the world thinks is foolish.

In the reading from Ephesians chapter 5 wise lifestyle choices include not drinking to excess but rather choosing to praise and sing to God, making melody in your hearts and giving thanks to God for everything. Such choices echo the advice (and similar moral tone) to be wise in Proverbs 2:12-13 “Wisdom will save you from the way of evil, from those who speak perversely, who forsake the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness”.

So, in one sense, Wisdom is about seeking to do what is right as an individual. In another sense Wisdom is about what can produce an honorable life within the community and both these meanings appear to be inferred in the Scripture about King Solomon. In the Scripture stories about Wisdom often relate to being humble and seeking God’s purposes which may be found in relationship with God and the faith community.

I wonder what being wise means to you? What are wise practices for these times? God’s wisdom and glory can be found in the simple things like daffodils, and complex things like the galaxies in the universe. In the stories about Jesus, God’s wisdom was made known through showing others how to serve in humble ways and caring for those on the margins of society.

When we feel a little foolish and challenged, we might learn to walk humbly and search for the wisdom of God, in unexpected places and people, and the heart and voices of those who yearn to belong.

Amen.

Rev Lynette Dungan