The Practical Wisdom of God

Scripture: He knew all about plants, from the huge cedar that grows in Lebanon to the tiny hyssop that grows in the cracks of a wall. He understood everything about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. 1 Kings 4:33

Observation: In presenting the wide-ranging wisdom of Solomon, the record discusses two plants due to their extreme difference in size. However, these two plants are not chosen at random.

Cedar is the largest tree in the world. In the middle east, it was easily the greatest tree for constructing the largest buildings, and it would be the cedars specifically from Lebanon that Solomon would use to build the original temple. Therefore, cedar is not just large, but is also critically important in practical uses.

Hyssop represents a variety of herbs, but the wall-living kind of Solomon's day was likely similar to oregano. It had medicinal qualities that were used to assist with lung issues, and was also used to aid lepers. In Psalms it is called out as a purification medicine. Hyssop, therefore, also has practical health-related uses.

In other words, Solomon's wisdom was not just some kind of grand intellect used to show off, or some conceptual philosophy used to think deeply on esoteric topics. The wisdom the Lord had granted to Solomon was practical, with applicability to everyday - and improved - lives.

Application: This is the key to wisdom available to us through the Holy Spirit ... it is practical for our everyday lives. The wisdom is not intellect for intellect's purpose, but rather it is intelligence we can apply to our lives to help our circumstances, improve our lives, care for our health, secure our blessings, and find joy.

The Lord keeps giving me this wisdom, and I fear I keep taking steps opposed to it. The Lord is reminding me daily to stay productive, meditate on him, and lean into my home and family. I keep retreating into mindless distractions and boredom. I need to truly embrace the Lord's wisdom, which always exists to practically improve my life.

Prayer: Lord, again I say it today, may I listen to your guidance and be obedient to your wisdom. Help me to set aside idle, and idol, pastimes, and only embrace your direction and path in my life, in both big and small ways. Amen.