Learn of Jesus - Part 11, Solomon Prayed for Knowledge

David W. Palmer

(2 Chronicles 1:10 NLT) “Give me the wisdom and knowledge to lead them properly, for who could possibly govern this great people of yours?”

King Solomon of the Old Testament is synonymous with wisdom. This passage shows the prayer he prayed asking for it. We note that he also asked for knowledge. God gave him both, so this is a great example of a prayer for knowledge that worked. God’s answer to Solomon’s prayer (in the following passage) is a great encourager for us to pray for knowledge and wisdom also:

(2 Chronicles 1:11–12 NKJV) And God said to Solomon: “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honour or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life; but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king; {12} wisdom and knowledge are granted to you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honour, such as none of the kings have had who were before you, nor shall any after you have the like.”

God’s answer to Solomon is revelationary; not only did he grant the request for knowledge and wisdom, he added riches, wealth, and honour. This confirmed very profoundly and clearly to Solomon the importance of seeking knowledge and making wisdom the principal thing:

(Proverbs 8:10 NKJV) “Receive my instruction, and not silver, And knowledge rather than choice gold.”

(Proverbs 4:7–9 NKJV) “Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. {8} Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her. {9} She will place on your head an ornament of grace; A crown of glory she will deliver to you.”

Solomon advises us to follow in his footsteps in praying for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. He notes that if you do, like him, you too will receive honour, promotion, grace, and glory. He also list the benefits that God’s wisdom will bring you:

(Proverbs 3:13–18 NLT) “Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. {14} For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. {15} Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. {16} She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. {17} She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. {18} Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly.”

The following Scripture from the book of Daniel shows quite clearly that God can literally give knowledge. This also is a great encouragement to pray to him for it:

(Daniel 1:17 NKJV) “As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.”

The significance of this is astounding. Daniel and his three friends were forcibly taken from their home in Jerusalem to Babylon as young men (possibly around 17 y.o.). Daniel was at the right age to begin university, so they placed him in Babylon’s learning institution.

(Does this sound familiar? Maybe you, or some of your family and friends are in this situation right now—receiving the world’s education in their learning institutions.) But thankfully, these four Jewish young men had a good foundation in God and his knowledge. They didn’t go the world’s way, and “God gave them knowledge.” So much so, that they proved to be ten times better (smarter) than those taught in Babylon’s system:

(Daniel 1:20 NKJV) “And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm.”

God can do this for you, your family members, and your friends. If you ask him today, like Solomon did, he can give you knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. Wow! How can those educated by the world system ever compete with God’s knowledge? And when you add his wisdom for living and his timely manifestations of the “word of knowledge,” you are a winner no matter how you look at it.

Let’s never be intimidated by the world, its system, or its education; let’s simply ask God for knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. If we ask in faith with no doubting; and if we follow on to know the Lord, over time, he will add riches, wealth, and honour. What’s even more astounding; once received, his wisdom will add honour, promotion, grace, and glory, etc.

Asking God for knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in prayer is Scriptural, so let’s do it … today! Right now!