At the end of King David's life, he made preparations for one of his sons to take the throne. Solomon was the Son of Bathsheba, one of David's wives that came about at a dark time in David's life. Solomon was able to see the pressures associated with leadership, so he asked God for help. After he took the throne we read his prayer in 1 Kings 3:7, 9, "Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties… So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
God granted him wisdom to lead. We should know that all of us, especially leaders, need to remember James 1:5, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
Great leadership is bathed in godly wisdom. Solomon writes a series of "wise sayings" to his sons in Proverbs 1-9. He begins these 10 pieces of wisdom letting them (and us) know their purpose.
Proverbs 1:2-6, "[The proverbs are] for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young— let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance— for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise."
Ultimately wisdom is seen as well as heard. Good leadership practices what it promotes. When the world sees godly wisdom, in a way they get to see a glimpse of God.
1 Corinthians 1:20-24, "Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God."
"The list" found in 1 Timothy 3, or Titus 1, serves as attributes associated with godly wisdom. Just like Solomon, leaders need to be seen turning to God for guidance and seeking His wisdom to lead people closer to Christ.
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