Do you lack wisdom? It is one thing to have knowledge; it is a completely different thing to be wise. Wisdom is knowing how to discern the right decision given a certain situation. You can be intelligent without being wise. For instance, there is a lot of talk about artificial intelligence today. While I am not opposed to artificial intelligence, we need some wisdom on how to utilize it. Often, we discover new technology and jump right in with both feet, never thinking about the right way to apply it to our lives, and before we know it, it is out of control, just like we see with some of the AI technologies.
In 1 Kings 12, Rehoboam could have used a good dose of wisdom. After his father, King Solomon, died, Rehoboam was to be king; however, the people had a demand before they crowned him. They wanted him to ease the yoke of work that Solomon had put on them. Solomon was a builder, and for years, he pushed the people of God to build the temple and his palace. They worked long and hard, and they wanted a break. Rehoboam decided to take three days to think about the request. During this time, he talked with his father’s advisors, a group of older men. They told him to listen to the people. Rehoboam should have stopped there, but he went on and consulted with a group of younger men he had grown up with. These young men were filled with pride and out of touch with the rest of the nation; they told him to increase the load of work.
When the people came back to Rehoboam, it was revealed that he listened to the younger men. This single event caused most of the tribes of Israel to break away from Judah and name Jeroboam their king. Things quickly began to spiral out of control as these tribes turned to false idols. Eventually, they were punished for their idolatry and conquered by the Assyrians. All because Rehoboam lacked wisdom.
Wisdom should play an important role in the life of a believer. Wisdom will lead us to a godly life, helping us to follow God and deal with people. Wisdom is vital, but often, too many do not consider the role wisdom should play in their life. Like Rehoboam, we hear the two sides. We consider the advice from the world, who are like the young men-- prideful, arrogant, and self-centered. Many people think this is the way to go, without realizing that the words of the old men are far wiser. In our case, the old men are like the scriptures. The Word of God is tried and true, ancient words from our heavenly Father to make us wise. When we neglect these truths, it is to our peril.
We have a choice: follow the wisdom found in God’s Word or follow the wisdom of the world; one leads to life, while the other does not. Paul warns the church in Ephesians 5:15-17 to watch how they walk: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Wisdom means following the Lord and rejecting the evil the world offers. If Rehoboam had just followed the wisdom of the older men, things would have been better for him; the same is true for us. Follow the wisdom of God and see how much better life is.
If you find yourself in need of wisdom, remember God promises to give it to those who ask. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 5:17). Wisdom is available to all of God’s children. We simply must ask the Lord, and He will give it to us.
