August 20, 2006

The Source of Real Wisdom
 

by Rev. Dr. Jim Carlson

1 Kings 3: 3-15

(Slide) Jack Whittaker – won $314.9 million prize at Christmas 2002. Whittaker has had hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash stolen from his cars, home and office. He has pleaded no contest to assaulting and threatening to kill a bar manager. He has twice been arrested on drunken-driving charges and was accused of assaulting women at a racetrack.

Whittaker formed a foundation that launched a campaign to eventually feed and clothe poor people in each of West Virginia's 55 counties. He also gave a total of $7 million to three preachers and began to build two churches. Whittaker has given about $20 million to charity, according to his lawyer.

Meanwhile, relatives who were supposed to enjoy the jackpot weren't. Jewel Whittaker felt overwhelmed by the demands of philanthropy. A day rarely passed without at least one stranger coming to the Whittakers' door with a story and a request.

In December 2004, his wife, Jewel, said she wished her husband never won the lottery. Had she known what was ahead, "I would've torn up that ticket."

Someone who has it all – needs wisdom to know how to use it. Subject of today’s passage. Solomon son of David by Bathsheba.

David died, power struggle to replace him. No rules to govern who becomes next king. Solomon not the oldest son. Blessed by God.

Solomon offers sacrifices at Gibeon – no temple built. Question about law – Levites.

Has dream – God asks what he wants, he asks for wisdom (a hearing heart). God offers him wisdom and everything else.

Comparison of David and Solomon (Slide)

Two points: Passage is as much about humility as it is about wisdom.

Humility is the beginning of wisdom. Must be humble enough to listen to other viewpoints, especially God’s.

Second point: If Solomon had the Torah, even if it was only part, why did he need wisdom also?

Passage teaches us that the Christian faith is not simply the blind obedience of laws. Wisdom needed to deal with issues the Bible doesn’t address specifically. The older I get the more I realize this.

Bible itself admits as such. Case of two women claiming baby. No way of knowing.

Issues today requiring wisdom: Polygamy – not outlawed by the Bible.

Stem Cell Research; Abortion. No firm biblical answer.

Terrorism – easy to offer simple solution to complex problems. It’s like the two women in Solomon’s court – complicated answers.

General principles laid out in Proverbs. Loving God and your neighbor is the greatest criterion when judging something which has no clear biblical answer.