“Shlomo’s wisdom surpassed the wisdom of the people from the east and all the wisdom of Egypt.”-1 Kings 5:10
Remember how yesterday I said the word CHOKMAH for wisdom is a general term used throughout the Scriptures for any kind of wisdom?
Well, verse 10 proves it.
Because it tells us that Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the children of the east and of Egypt.
That raises the question of just what kind of wisdom the children of the east and Egypt possessed.
Well, the children of the east (mainly referring to Ishmaelites or Arabs in this context) were associated with cunning and the ability to outwit opponents in negotiation, commonly seen among Oriental traders and merchants.
The wisdom of the Egyptians was actually quite similar to the wisdom of the Japanese.
They were exceptionally talented in farming, manufacturing, medicine, and building these enormous structures that to this day remain the awe of the world.
So, it is within this context of secular cleverness in business, politics, and pure intellectual pursuits that Solomon is being praised.
We’re told Solomon’s wisdom exceeded them all.
But more importantly, we’re told that Solomon’s incredible understanding and knowledge came from the Lord.
That was a key takeaway for yesterday’s post.
I talked about how we are all given different gifts from the Lord, and that we shouldn’t waste time on negative energy comparing ourselves to others.
However, there’s another important takeaway I wanna focus on today.
It is this:
Although Solomon possessed great understanding and knowledge that he got from the Lord…
He didn’t always use it for the Lord.
That’s an important distinction.
Look at Nazi Germany.
They were an advanced and intellectual society well-accomplished in the arts and sciences.
Unfortunately, they used their gifts to accomplish the greatest of evils.
On the other hand, look at Israel.
If there is any nation that has used its wisdom, talent, and gifts to bless the world, it has got to be the Jewish people.
You want some examples, homies?
Well, here ya go:
Israel developed drip irrigation, which has helped feed populations in arid regions across Africa, Asia, and beyond.
Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin developed the polio vaccine that effectively eradicated a crippling disease worldwide.
And I don’t even need to mention Albert Einstein, who came up with the theory of relativity.
This man single-handedly reshaped our understanding of space, time, and the universe.
And this same principle applies to you as well.
As a born-again believer in the Jewish Messiah, just because you’ve been given spiritual gifts doesn’t mean you’ll use those gifts in a godly manner, does it?
Receiving spiritual gifts from God doesn’t override your free will or neutralize your capacity for sin.
Ya feel me here?
Think of these gifts the way you might think of the Abrahamic Covenant.
They’re like unconditional divine grants.
Getting them doesn’t mean the Lord takes away your choices.
You still have the freedom to use them for good or evil.
That’s on you.
So the question is…
Will you use what God gave you for His plans or hijack His gifts for your own selfish pleasures?
Ya feel me here?
Ya know, I think you do.
Done.
CONNECTING THIS TEACHING TO THE NEW TESTAMENT
“You are the light of the world.
A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
Neither do people light a lamp
and put it under a bowl.
Instead they put it on its stand,
and it gives light to everyone in the house.
In the same way,
let your light shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your Father in heaven.”
-Matthew 5:14-16
Leave a Reply