Spend time in prayer and silence with God asking Him to meet with you and speak to you.
Bible Reading
The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young—let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
– Proverbs 1:1-7
Devotion
Solomon asked God to give him a discerning heart and God showered him with unparalleled wisdom and discernment. So God said to him, “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, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.” (1 Kings 3:11-12)
The extent of Solomon’s wisdom and his reputation is described more fully in 1 Kings 4:29-34: God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. He was wiser than anyone else, including Ethan the Ezrahite—wiser than Heman, Kalkol and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations. He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. He spoke about plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also spoke about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. From all nations people came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom.
The Big Question
Solomon explained his purpose of his book when he wrote that the “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” To what degree and in what ways do you experience the fear (awe, honor, respect, reverence, and worship) of the LORD in your life?
Conclude your time in prayer and silence reflecting on what you have learned.