1 Kings 3:3; 5; 7-12 (NLT) — 3 Solomon loved the LORD and followed all the decrees of his father, David, except that Solomon, too, offered sacrifices and burned incense at the local places of worship. 5 That night the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!” 7 “Now, O LORD my God, you have made me king instead of my father, David, but I am like a little child who doesn’t know his way around. 8 And here I am in the midst of your own chosen people, a nation so great and numerous they cannot be counted! 9 Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?” 10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom. 11 So God replied, “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies—12 I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have!

1. The Crisis of Wisdom

1. “but I am like a little child who doesn’t know his way around. 8 And here I am in the midst of your own chosen people, a nation so great and numerous they cannot be counted! “
2. If you don’t see yourself as in need of wisdom, you have a serious problem. 
3. Folly waits for you! 
   1. Some key indicators of folly:
      1. You don’t value wisdom.
      2. You repeat mistakes and refuse to learn.
      3. You speak but never listen.
      4. You only trust your own instincts.
      5. You belittle the penalty of sin.

2. The Costliness of Wisdom

1. Wisdom is mentioned several times in the scriptures as being the most important thing.
   1. It’s the most IMPORTANT - Proverbs 4:7–9 (NLT) — 7 Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. 8 If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you. 9 She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown.”
   2. It’s the most VALUABLE - Proverbs 3:13–15 (NLT) — 13 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.
   3. It’s the most HELPFUL - Proverbs 8:22;30 (NLT) — 22 “The LORD formed me from the beginning, before he created anything else. 30 I was the architect at his side. I was his constant delight, rejoicing always in his presence.
2. It has value, but it also brings value.

3. The Clarity of Wisdom

1. Wisdom is a Perspective
   1. Wisdom can offer one solid thing - ELEVATION - It’s a higher perspective. 
   2. Wisdom is “Seeing things from God’s perspective”. It’s not just a higher perspective, it’s the PERFECT perspective.
   3. Wisdom is simply getting up where he is and seeing from his perspective. 
2. Wisdom is a Presence
   1. Lady Wisdom
      1. “Listen as Wisdom calls out! Hear as understanding raises her voice!” (Proverbs 8:1)
      2. Wisdom isn’t distant—it’s present, calling, relational, and near to those who listen.
   2. Gift from God
      1. “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you.” (James 1:5)
      2. “I will give you a wise and understanding heart…” (1 Kings 3:12)
      3. You don’t create wisdom—you receive it from God as a gift.
   3. Wisdom Lives in Christ and the Spirit
      1. “In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:2b–3 (NLT) — I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. 3 In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
      2. “The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding…” Isaiah 11:2 (NLT) — 2 And the Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.
      3. Jesus is the fullness of wisdom, and the Holy Spirit is the ongoing voice of wisdom in your life.
3. Wisdom is a Practice
   1. Wisdom is not wisdom until it’s applied! 
   2. It helps you to make ACTION! If there is no action, then you don’t have wisdom yet. 
   3. The actions you will notice
      1. Wise judgements
      2. Wise organization 
      3. Wise creativity 
      4. Wise relationships 
      5. Wise vision 
      6. Wise words

4. The Chase for Wisdom

1. To get wisdom, you must:
   1. Recognize the crisis – You’re small, under pressure, and don’t know your way.
   2. Start with God – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”*
   3. Ask for it – “If anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask.” (James 1:5)
   4. Walk in it – Apply it, step by step. Not just hear it—do it.