“I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me, seemed insufficient for the day.” — Abraham Lincoln

“So give Your servant an obedient heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” (1 Kings 3:9 HCSB).

At twenty Solomon became the King of Israel. His youth and inexperience could topple his kingdom. He cried out for God’s help. God appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Ask. What should I give you?” (1 Kings 3:5). What would Solomon chose? Wealth? Power? A larger kingdom? Personal strength? Long life? You name it. Solomoncould have it. Solomon chose an obedient and discerning heart-one that is attentive and responsive, one that is able to listen to the truth and apply it, one that sees beneath the surface and looks with insight into people, things, and God. Sometimes it goes by its nickname, good judgment. We often call it wisdom.

Wisdom pays. Issues are rarely black and white; they are usually a shade of gray. Every day we are faced with personal decisions or overwhelming problems or delicate family issues or angry people or tense situations where wisdom is needed.

God will give us wisdom as he did Solomon, if we’ll heed his principles. First, recognize that wisdom comes from God. If we want wisdom, we must seek it from its proper source, God himself. Second, pray for wisdom. God has promised to give us wisdom if we ask. Then, read and meditate on God’s Word. When we know God’s Word we can apply God’s Word into those gray areas. Also, hear and heed the counsel of respected people. Wise counselors have been through experiences and endured trials we have not yet encountered. They are able to look at our situations more objectively and with varied perspectives.

Like Solomon, ask for wisdom. Follow godly principles. And, you, too, will have an obedient and discerning heart.