Spiritual Wisdom, On Earth
A family tribe – the small band of people given to our care – can only flourish through the wisdom we parents manifest in our homes.
But too often we think of ‘spiritual’ wisdom as something nebulous. Having to do with an ethereal moral code – rather than the practical and ordinary tasks of stewarding well what God has given to our care.
But when we look into an episode of one of the greatest tribal leaders of God’s People – we see something unexpected…
King Solomon is reputed to be the wisest leader who ever lived.
When he had just begun his reign he sought God. And God came to him in a dream. God asked Solomon: what do you want? What should I give you?
I am inexperienced! I don’t know how to lead these people you’ve entrusted to my stewardship! Please – give me wisdom and knowledge so I can lead with justice!
God’s responded:
Because you requested wisdom – and not riches, wealth, glory, victory, or long life – I will indeed give you great wisdom… as well as all those other things!
– 2 Chronicles 1:10-12 and 1 Kings 3:17-14 (paraphrased)
One chapter later Solomon's famed wisdom is detailed for us:
God gave Solomon wisdom, very great insight, and understanding as vast as the sand on the seashore: Solomon composed 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs. He was a botanist – with knowledge of the mighty cedar down to the humble hyssop. He taught about animals, birds, reptiles, and fish. People came from everywhere, sent by every king on earth who had heard of his wisdom, to be taught by him.
– 1 Kings 4:29-34 (paraphrased)
Poetry and pros. Music composition. Botany and gardening. Animal science and husbandry.
Are these the things we think of when we speak of Godly wisdom?
Are these on our mind when we pray: Lord, give me your wisdom for the sake of the people and the spaces you've given to my care?
Do we consider the study of these and other arts as 'spiritual' work?
As Solomon’s history unfolds we discover it is largely his wisdom in practical matters which brought about God’s promise that “all these [additional] things will be provided for you”. (Matthew 6:36) His applied knowledge of the tangible world made Him renowned as a good steward – showing the secular world how to make God's intent for His creation manifest "on earth as it is in Heaven". It was his application of practical wisdom which enabled people to "taste and see that the LORD is good".
When God’s Wisdom is made manifest people are edified and filled with delight and wonder. When God’s Wisdom is brought to life the riches of His Kingdom follow after it!