10 “Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?” 11 God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, riches or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, 12 therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, riches and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.” – 2 Chronicles 1:10-12

Seek the Lord, not His benefits. The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord – and understanding Him is knowing Him, loving Him, serving Him. Solomon asked for wisdom and knowledge, because He knew that was what He needed to govern the children of Israel… knowledge of justice, truth, equity, and most importantly, knowledge of God Himself. How often we seek first the benefits of knowing Lord, and disregard the act of knowing Him! Seek first the Lord and ask diligently for wisdom and understanding.

It makes sense in practical terms. If you had access to all the wealth of all the nations, if there was nothing out of your reach to give… would you seek out someone who pursued wisdom, cherished knowledge, understood the scope of his or her responsibility, exercised intelligence and discernment in every decision… or… not? I think the answer is clear.

God has promised to supply all your needs, and I also know that the beginning to any sense of peace and contentment in your life is to pursue God only, to know Him, and to make him known. It’s mind bending how circular the Word of God is. It takes you on a wild journey of discovery and then bends back on itself, until you begin to see that the depths of God have no beginning or end, and that no one or no thing could every fully know or understand everything contained within His Word.