Today's Daily Lesson comes from 1 Kings chapter 3 verses 6 through 9:
6 And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant my father David, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you; and you have kept for him this great and steadfast love, and have given him a son to sit on his throne today. 7 And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. 8 And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. 9 Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?”
As Solomon accedes to the throne, he prays for wisdom for the way forward. The NRSV translates what he asks for as "an understanding mind" though literally what he asks for is "a listening heart".
Solomon is already wise enough to know he will need wisdom. As Socrates said, the truly wise person trusts not in his own wisdom. Solomon knows the nation is in a fragile state. Beset by his father's scandals, and not one but two attempted coups, Solomon receives royal power by the strength of a single thread. If he is to hold onto the throne he must have wisdom and he must be willing to listen with an open mind and an open heart.
A famous event immediately follows this prayer in the pages of Scripture. Two women argue over the life of an infant, each one claiming to be the rightful mother. When Solomon suggests the baby be split in half, the real mother gives in, relinquishing her claim on the baby. With that, Solomon knows who the true is -- the one who loves the baby enough to let go.
This is a parable, not only for Solomon's time but also for ours. The life of the nation is in dispute. Two different visions lay claim to its future. It is in danger of being torn apart.
So what is needed is wisdom, open minds and an open hearts. What is needed are listening hearts. There must be more than the will to win -- the desire to dominate at any cost. That will rend the baby asunder. There must also be the will to let the child live. And that will require the wisdom of compromise. It will require the wisdom of knowing when to speak and when to listen, when to hold on, and when to let go.
Lord, grant us such wisdom.
"Grant us wisdom for the living of these days."
NOTE: We are reading the whole Bible through this year. Tomorrow's Lesson will come from 2 Chroinicles 1 and Psalm 72.
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