The Wisdom of Solomon-1 Kings 2-3

“We generally think of Satan attacking us at our weakest spot. … But weakness is not our only vulnerability. Satan can also attack us where we think we are strong—in the very areas where we are proud of our strengths. He will approach us through the greatest talents and spiritual gifts we possess. If we are not wary, Satan can cause our spiritual downfall by corrupting us through our strengths as well as by exploiting our weaknesses” (Dallin H. Oaks, “Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall,” Ensign, Oct. 1994, 12).

This week's chapters are about King Solomon, a man who received great gifts from God but eventually used those gifts unrighteously. We will watch the gradual decline of Solomon,  looking for his flaws not to judge him, but to learn from his mistakes.

Just before David died, Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anointed Solomon as the new king. Solomon, who was a son of David and Bathsheba, received the following counsel from his father: “Be thou strong … , and shew thyself a man; and keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, … that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest” (1 Kings 2:2–3). 

Soon after Solomon became king, the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Ask what I shall give thee” (1 Kings 3:5). Solomon asked for "an understanding heart"  1 Kings 3:9. An “understanding heart” is wise but also kind 1 Kings 3:28; 4:29. Solomon felt he needed these blessings because he felt young and inexperienced and because the task was daunting 1 Kings 3:7–8. Having “the wisdom of God”, we would surely be helped us with our responsibilities. Maybe we can pray to God for an increase of wisdom and seek it by reading His Word.

The Lord pleased with Solomon’s request for an understanding heart 1 Kings 3:11–12, because he asked for a gift that would help him serve others rather than a gift with selfish purposes. We can be like Solomon and seek gift to help us serve others D&C 46:13–26. We must always remember to use our gifts unselfishly 1 Kings 3:14; D&C 46:8–12.

Additionally, the Lord blessed Solomon with wealth and honor so he might better serve 1 Kings 3:13–14. When we are blessed with wealth, we can use this blessings be used to serve others in many ways.

The first situation requiring King Solomon’s judgment is a story most people know about the two women fighting over the baby 1 Kings 3:16–22.) Solomon solved the problem by using mother love as his tool 1 Kings 3:23–28. Solomon’s solution showed that the Lord had blessed him with wisdom. Most young men would not understand mother love at a young age.

Likening these scriptures unto myself, I can pray for a kind and understanding heart. I can pray for and seek wisdom. I can use my blessings to serve God's children.