“Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it.” - Albert Einstein
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” - Socrates
Wisdom has been on my mind a lot lately. And I’ve been asking for it the last few weeks — probably more than my whole life combined.
I’m in a small executive leadership development group. And the older gentlemen who is leading the group opened our time a few weeks ago with something I’ve seen countless times in my life.
But it hit a pretty hard reset button in my inner person this time.
First, a flashback montage to set the stage —
David is many years into his reign of Israel. Bathsheba is now officially his wife and she gives birth to Solomon in 2 Samuel 12.
Around the age of 70, after ruling for 40 years, David dies. Solomon now sits on the throne in 1 Kings 2. (Read the beginning of this chapter to see David’s final words to his son before he hands him the throne.)
Shortly after Solomon becomes king of Israel, the Lord appears to him in a dream:
“The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and said, ‘Ask what I shall give you.’”
Just imagine — God asking you what you want, and giving it. (Spoiler alert: read the Gospels when Jesus teaches/invites/expects us to “ask anything”…)
Solomon’s response was what made my head pop off.
“I know that you are God. My dad raised me to know you and follow you. And now I have so much responsibility and people counting on me — and I feel like kid. I don’t know anything. I don’t know what to do…
I need wisdom. Please give me wisdom.”
“This pleased the Lord.”
What we can see so far
Despite his dad and mom’s story, Solomon had a solid upbringing in the Lord.
Israel is reaching its height in power, abundance, unity.
He’s probably grieving AND now feeling the pressure of leadership.
He has pretty good self-awareness.
He has really good God-awareness.
And so he asks for the right thing — the best thing.
What is wisdom?
A helpful definition from the Bible comes from Job 28:28: “The fear of the Lord — that is wisdom…”
Chuck Swindoll says “wisdom is looking at life from God’s point of view.”
Wisdom isn’t knowledge, intellect, or cleverness with problem solving or project managing.
It’s a posture of awe and dependence on God.
The wisest people you know are rarely the most educated or eloquent. They are the most surrendered — deeply aware of their smallness and God’s greatness.
“You’re God! I’m just a kid! Help!”
Where does it come from?
Proverbs 9:10 helps us here: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
(And who is writing this many years later in life?…)
Solomon knew ball.
Why would I ask for it?
I’ll let Solomon keep doing the talking here:
Proverbs 8:11 – “For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.”
Proverbs 8:15–16 – “By wisdom kings reign and rulers issue decrees that are just.”
Proverbs 8:35 – “For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord.”
Wisdom is not a quick fix. She is a companion who walks with you through the complexities of life and leadership. God provides through wisdom.
What would you ask the Lord for?
My executive coach kept reading 1 Kings 2 in our session but I was stuck on one question:
What would I have asked for?
Here’s the reality check for me — and probably for you.
My instinct is to troubleshoot my problems, especially when I’m stressed.
You and I can seemingly get pretty far on this earth by just project managing our spirituality and “growth”.
Far too often I ask the Lord for the resolution, the outcome, the result before I ask for wisdom.
I’ve been asking for wisdom and understanding a lot more lately. And it’s been a lot more fun than the examples listed above.
If you keep reading Solomon’s story, you see that God not only gave him wisdom and understanding — but a whole lot more.
By the way…
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Thank you to the Vols who will defeat the Crimson Tide on Saturday. 🍊
Love to you all.
Taylor Jervis
Tyler, Texas
October 17, 2025
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