The Lord Give Thee Wisdom

Now, my son, the Lord be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of the Lord thy God, as he hath said of thee. Only the Lord give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the Lord thy God. Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the Lord charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.  (1 Chronicles 22:11-13)

David wrote these words to his son Solomon. He wanted to pass along both a blessing and instruction as Solomon prepared to take on the greatest responsibility he had ever faced. Notice what David asked for on Solomon's behalf. David didn’t want him to be successful in a general sense; he wanted his son to operate in wisdom and understanding, specifically to keep God's law. David understood that lasting prosperity would flow from that foundation, not from cleverness or ambition alone.

David went on to tell Solomon directly that he would prosper if he took heed to fulfill what God had instructed. This connection between obedience and prosperity is not incidental to the passage. It is the central point David wanted his son to carry into a role of significant responsibility and influence.

David closed with a charge to be strong and of good courage, not to dread or be dismayed. Wisdom rooted in God's law does not eliminate the need for courage. It provides the foundation on which courage can be built. Whatever responsibility or calling you are stepping into, follow this same pattern. Wisdom that comes from staying rooted in God's Word, paired with courage to act on it, is what will give you lasting prosperity in whatever you have been called to carry.

Practical Application

As you step into whatever responsibility lies before you, ask God for wisdom to accomplish the task He has given you. Be rooted in His Word and move forward with courage, not dread.

I Kings 2:3; Psalm 112:1