Hearing Heart
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask of God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5
Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived. 1 Kings 4:34 states that people came from all over the world to present their problems to him and hear his advice. The story behind his wisdom is given in 1 Kings 3. God appeared to Solomon in a vision and said, “ask for whatever you want me to give you” (v. 5).
“Give your servant a discerning heart,” said Solomon. Some translations use the phrase “hearing heart” in this verse. The Hebrew word is shama, which is usually translated as a verb: “hear,” “understand,” “listen,” or “obey.” Solomon used the word to describe his heart’s desire. He didn’t want to simply hear what people said; he wanted to understand what their words implied so he could govern wisely and “distinguish between right and wrong” (v. 9).
Solomon’s humility pleased God. He said, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart” (vv. 11-12). And in His grace, God also gave Solomon much more than he could have ever imagined (vv. 13-14).
I ask God for many things when I pray. Sometimes I need wisdom in solving a problem or guidance on a difficult path. Sometimes I need God to infuse me with forgiveness or compassion. But what I need most is a “hearing heart” –a heart that listens to what God says to me through His Word and a mind that is sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading so that I can live wisely and “distinguish between right and wrong.”
Every day Solomon’s prayer should be my prayer: “Give your servant a discerning heart.”
DIG DEEPER:
James 1:5 is a promise; James 1:6-8 is a warning. According to these verses, what do we need to do when we ask for wisdom?
Solomon was wise, but he wasn’t infallible. What foolish decisions led him into unwise behavior? Read 1 Kings 11:1-7.
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. All of its 176 verses describe the value of meditating on God’s Word. Take time to read it this week and make a personal list of “Top Ten Reasons” to cultivate a “hearing heart” by studying God’s Word.
Denise K. Loock