Proverbs 8:10-11
“Run after instruction…not silver; Knowledge rather than gold.
For wisdom is better than rubies …
Of all the things that we may strive to obtain…nothing can be compared to it!”
Why does Solomon put such a high precedent on wisdom? What value does it possess that money and riches do not? When people put value on things most of the time it is a monetary one. As ludicrous as it may seem, people still value one another and others according to their individual wealth or income. Some things may have changed throughout human history, but the emphasis on riches and one’s desire to acquire vast amounts of wealth has not.
However, God’s value system is somewhat different from ours. The scripture says… “Of all the things that we may strive to obtain…nothing can be compared to it!” I love it when God uses the word all. It is such a powerful word depicting absolutes. All cannot exclude anything…and yet it includes everything. According to God’s word, there is nothing more important than wisdom. The reason why Solomon puts such important emphasis on wisdom is because it is the one key that has the power to possess all things including wealth. The proof of this truth…which became the foundation of Solomon’s success…is found in the following verses of scripture.
1 Kings 3:5-13
“God appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and said, Ask what you would like for me to give you… Solomon replies …your servant is in the midst of your people, which you have chosen, a great people ... Give therefore your servant an understanding heart to judge your people, so that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this so great a people? God replies, Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked things for yourself; …Behold, I have done according to your words: Truly, I have given you a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like you before…neither after you shall any arise like you. And I have also given you that which you have not asked, both riches, and honor: so that there shall not be any among the kings like you all the days of your life!”
It’s true. Solomon became extremely wealthy, and all of Israel with him. He never fought a battle. His life was filled with peace. Nations came and made peace with Solomon…not because of his military prowess, but that they too might partake of his wisdom, and be able to say they had become a friend and acquaintance of the wise King Solomon of Israel. The best analogy that I can think of that might come close to describe what happened to Solomon is that of today’s famous people. When a person becomes famous, his notoriety transcends culture, politics, and language. Solomon maybe was the first worldwide celebrity. He became a man that everyone wanted to be connected with. Kings and queens paid huge ransoms in order to spend time with the famous King Solomon.
1 Kings 10:1-2
“When the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD… she came to Jerusalem with a very great entourage, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones.”
Solomon became the leader that everyone wanted to emulate. Israel became the country that everyone wanted to be a part of. However, the queen of Sheba came to realize that the secret to Solomon’s power went much deeper than mere intellect. His power was spiritual; spiritual because it surpassed human understanding.
1 Kings 10:4-5
“When the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon's wisdom, and the house that he had built, And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.
This word “spirit” here is the Hebrew word, “roo-akh”, which means breath or mind. I am sure that all of this certainly took her breath away, so to speak. However, I believe that this particular word is talking more about her mind. It was past her comprehension and physical understanding. This is such a beautiful picture of the Christian life, as it is viewed from the eyes of the world. The world might just say of us as God’s children, “Why do they have happy families? Why do they have such peace in the midst of tribulation? Why do they smile all the time? What is the secret to Solomon’s wisdom, and Israel’s joy? The queen of Sheba herself gives us the answer.
1 Kings 10:7-9.
“Blessed be the LORD your God, who delighted in you, setting you on the throne of Israel! Because the LORD has loved Israel forever.”
The secret of Israel’s blessing was found in their relationship with God. This blessing was made possible simply because of one thing and one thing alone. God’s love for his people! Solomon’s wisdom was not a learned talent. It was a supernatural gift!
It is this wisdom and for these values which I have been working so tirelessly to establish in the country of Mexico. The Foundation of Dream Center Mexico is being used as such a huge instrument to bring blessing to so many thousands of people in need. Countries rise and fall upon the strength or weakness of the values they possess. Join us today as a partner is this effort. Donate today to the Dream Center Mexico Foundation at the following link. http://dreamcentermx.org/donaciones/