“Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart,” this was the request from Solomon to the Lord soon after he had ascended to the throne of his father, David. This was a request that pleased the Lord so much, that he granted Solomon not only wisdom, but also riches and glory. God is never outdone in generosity.
Whether God gave Solomon wisdom instantaneously or whether it was a process is not made clear in today’s reading. For most of us, gaining an understanding heart is a journey in which we will invariably falter and err like sheep without a shepherd. The good news is that God sent his only begotten son, Jesus, our Good Shepherd, who shows us the way and teaches us many things. With him at our side on the journey, not only will we gain wisdom, but also all the riches and glory that the world cannot give. God is never outdone in generosity.