“God gave Shlomo exceptional wisdom and understanding, as well as a heart as vast as the sandy beach by the sea.”-1 Kings 5:9
In verse 9, we’re told the Lord gave Solomon exceptional “wisdom,” “understanding,” and a “vast heart.”
Let’s examine these words in the original Hebrew.
First, the word for wisdom is CHOKMAH.
The word for understanding is TABUNAH.
The word for vast heart is ROCHAV LEV.
So CHOKMAH means wisdom, but in a more practical administrative sense.
It refers more to organizational acumen, the ability to make sound decisions without hemming and hawing, and possessing good judgment.
This is the type of wisdom that characterizes strong leaders of countries and corporations.
One interesting point to note is that there is no separate Hebrew word for Godly wisdom that comes as a gift from the Lord, and fleshly or worldly wisdom that stems from our carnal nature.
They are both labelled as CHOKMAH.
Context lets us know the type of wisdom we’re dealing with, whether worldly or divine.
This leads us to the next word, TABUNAH.
This word means understanding, but in the sense of possessing the insight to know how to apply CHOKMAH in a variety of situations.
It’s not enough to possess wisdom for wisdom’s sake.
You have to know how to apply it.
That’s what TABUNAH, or understanding, is for.
Finally, we come to ROCHAV LEV or “vast heart.”
So, as I’ve already mentioned a million times, the real scriptural meaning of “heart” is actually mind.
In the Biblical era, the heart was believed to be the organ where conscious thought occurred.
So instead of saying “vast heart,” a much more accurate translation would be to say something like, “expansive mind.”
The combination of CHOKMAH, TABUNAH, and ROCHAV LEV paints a picture of Solomon as a man whose knowledge extended across many different fields.
He wasn’t some narrow specialist who knew only one subject well.
Solomon’s knowledge was broad, and someone who possessed a deep curiosity.
Today, we’d probably call him a brilliant generalist or a Renaissance man.
Alrighty, let’s switch over to the takeaway for today.
What I find most inspiring is to simply observe that the text says the Lord gave Solomon the wisdom, understanding, and all-encompassing, vast mind he possessed.
These qualities were all a gift from God.
Not something he had to spend years acquiring.
He couldn’t anyway because he was so young.
So that’s your lesson for today.
Instead of spending years trying to gain skills and talents you’re not naturally suited for.
Or wasting energy envying someone else’s gifts, talents, position, or social status.
Accept and celebrate how the Lord has created you, warts and all.
God has given each of us different strengths and opportunities.
And if you feel you are lacking some knowledge or skill you need…
Ask the Lord for it, homie.
The Lord is the source of all wisdom, understanding, and ability.
Ask Him for what you lack.
Then faithfully develop whatever He gives you.
That’s the ultimate shortcut to success.
Ya feel me?
Done.
CONNECTING THIS TEACHING WITH THE NEW TESTAMENT
“But if any of you lacks wisdom,
let him ask of God,
who gives to all generously
and without reproach,
and it will be given to him.”
-James 1:5
“That the God of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah…
may give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation
in the knowledge of Him.”
-Ephesians 1:17
“There are many different spiritual gifts.
But they all come from one Spirit.
There are many ways to serve.
But we serve the same Lord.
There are many kinds of work.
But the same God works through all.
Each believer receives a spiritual gift.
And every gift helps other people.
One receives wisdom through the Spirit.
Another receives knowledge through the Spirit.
Another receives faith through the Spirit.
Another receives gifts of healing.
Another receives power to work miracles.
Another receives the gift of prophecy.
Another discerns between different spirits.
Another speaks in various tongues.
Another interprets what those tongues mean.
The same Spirit works through them.
Giving gifts as He chooses.”
-1 Corinthians 12:4-11
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