The Generosity of Solomon

Read Time / 2 Minutes

Theme / Generosity

When we think of King Solomon from the Old Testament, we often remember him as the wisest man on earth.  There is more to him though.  Let’s dig into 1 Kings 3:5-12.

When God said to Solomon “Ask what I shall give to you” (v. 5), Solomon asked for “an understanding mind” to “discern between good and evil” to govern the nation of Israel (v. 9).  God was pleased that Solomon asked this and said “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches… I give you a wise and discerning mind” (vv. 11-12). 

Notice the phrase “not asked for yourself.”   Solomon had others in mind when he replied to God, desiring to be a blessing to others through his life.  In a word, Solomon wanted to be generous – he wanted to be others-focused rather than self-focused.  God was pleased that Solomon was not asking from a selfish motive, rather, Solomon’s desire was to help others, so God granted Solomon more than he asked.

As we steward God’s blessings in our lives, do we have a generosity mindset?  From our human nature, and cultural pressures we face, it’s easy to fall into a selfish mindset.   If we could ask God for anything, would we ask for the ability to be generous? 

Here are few practical generosity ideas:

1.      When we get a pay raise, consider helping others with it.

2.      When we receive extra cash unexpectedly, consider blessing others with it.

3.      When we earn extra cash, consider donating it to others.

4.      When we budget for a purchase, then find a good deal, consider helping others with the money you saved.

5.      When we sell an item that we don’t need anymore, consider helping others with the proceeds.

Let’s learn from the wisest man on earth.  Let’s have the mindset of Solomon as we consider the Lord’s blessings in our lives.

Doug Hanson, MBA

Wealth Advisor

208.697.3699

doug@christianwm.com