Ask any Bible class what Solomon requested when God told him He would grant him one request ( 1 Kings 3) and almost always the answer will be �wisdom.� In principle, this is correct, because even later in the same text ( 1 Kings 3:12) God refers to his request in this way. But Solomon�s specific request was for understanding and discernment. "And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. "Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?" 1 Kings 3:8
Joseph, by the power of God, was able to interpret Pharaoh�s dreams and give him a plan of survival for the entire nation. Pharaoh responded to Joseph by asking him to lead the nation, second under his command. Notice the two characteristics Pharaoh mentioned, �Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you.� Genesis 41:39
Proverbs 2:7 Solomon teaches the need to receive and treasure God�s words. In this setting he says to �incline your ear to wisdom.� 1). Wisdom can be heard by listening to God. In verse two Solomon says to �apply your heart to understanding.� 2.) God�s word can be understood. Too many today are comfortable in ignorance toward the Bible and even convinced they can not understand it. If one applies their heart to God�s word�it can be understood. God�s word is wise. When we set our heart to understand it we are equipping ourselves to be wise. 3.) When the moment comes to apply this to our life we practice discernment.
James teaches us to ask God for wisdom ( James 1:5). don't forget prayer is a way to prove our submission and dependency on God. God can give wisdom to those who are willing to submit and depend on Him.
The Hebrew writer teaches us that discernment can only be made by those who feed upon the meat of the word ( Hebrews 5:12).
Solomon and Joseph were tremendous examples of wise men. They fully submitted to God. They listened to Him. They depended upon Him. They were determined to understand God�s word and apply it to their lives. And often they did this in spite of difficult surroundings. When one understands God�s will and applies it properly to their life they become wise.
Proverbs 10:13 � Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, But a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding.
Proverbs 10:23 � To do evil is like sport to a fool, But a man of understanding has wisdom.
Proverbs 24:3 � Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established;