In Proverbs 4:3-9, King Solomon remembered his father’s words to him:
For I too was a son to my father,
still tender, and cherished by my mother.
Then he taught me, and he said to me,
“Take hold of my words with all your heart;
keep my commands, and you will live.
Get wisdom, get understanding;
do not forget my words or turn away from them.
Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
love her, and she will watch over you.
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.
Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
Cherish her, and she will exalt you;
embrace her, and she will honor you.
She will give you a garland to grace your head
and present you with a glorious crown.”
Four things jumped at me as I read the passage above a few days ago:
1. These are King David’s Words
Solomon’s father’s words took on a whole new meaning when I read them through the lens of King David’s life and all he had experienced.
David—the shepherd boy, the giant-killer, the king. The one who danced before the Lord, undignified and unashamed. The warrior, poet, and musician. The man who waited for years to take his place as king and see God’s promises fulfilled. The same man who took his son’s mother from another man, neglected to discipline his older children, and experienced multiple family tragedies. The father who was betrayed by his own son and outlived several of his children. And yet, David was also known as a man after God’s own heart. It is powerful to see that, despite his own flaws, he was personally involved in Solomon’s training and valued the importance of passing down wisdom.
2. King David Taught Solomon to Value Wisdom
After all that David had lived through, one of the main lessons he wanted to impart to Solomon was the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding—especially as Solomon would one day rule a nation. I can almost hear King David pleading:
- “Solomon, get wisdom. Though it cost you all you have, get understanding.”
- “My son, wisdom will protect you.”
- “Solomon, wisdom will honor you.”
Had Solomon been raised in the ‘80s, he might have thought his dad sounded like a broken record! But David understood the weight of wisdom and spoke about it often, ensuring that Solomon would grow up knowing its value.
3. Solomon Listened to His Dad
No wonder Solomon desired wisdom! When God asked him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you,” Solomon’s response was:
“Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.” (1 Kings 3:1-15)
His request wasn’t random—it was something his father had instilled in him over time. He had been trained to desire wisdom, and that’s exactly what he asked for above all else.
As I reflect on this, I realize that, as a mom, I desire the same for my children. I find myself repeatedly reminding them of the importance of wisdom, just as David did for Solomon. I may sound like a broken record, but my hope is that they listen—just as Solomon listened to his father.
4. Even Wise People Make Foolish Choices
It would be wonderful if Solomon’s story ended with him receiving wisdom and making perfect choices. But despite his great wisdom, he still made foolish decisions. He had 700 wives and 300 concubines, and they turned his heart away from God (1 Kings 11:1-4).
Even though we know about Solomon’s weaknesses, he is primarily remembered for his wisdom, proverbs, and the building of the temple. David trained Solomon in wisdom and modeled what it meant to love the Lord—not perfectly, but faithfully enough that Solomon returned to God later in life.
As young women navigating dating and relationships, wisdom should be your guide. King David spoke wisdom into Solomon’s life repeatedly, and Solomon listened. Even when he strayed, the seeds of wisdom planted in his heart led him back to God. May we all seek wisdom in our choices, our relationships, and our lives—knowing that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of true wisdom.
FLAG THIS!
- Wisdom is key in dating and relationships. Just like David emphasized wisdom to Solomon, young women should seek wisdom in dating rather than relying on fleeting emotions or societal pressures.
- Who is speaking into your life? Solomon learned from his father’s repeated lessons. Surround yourself with people who will encourage and challenge you toward godly wisdom in dating.
- Make wisdom your priority. Instead of chasing the perfect relationship, chase wisdom—because a wise heart will lead you to the right relationships.
- Even the wisest can fall into poor relationship choices. A person can have great knowledge and still allow emotions, influences, or desires to lead them astray. Be cautious in dating.
- Look at character, not just potential. Solomon was incredibly wise, but his lack of discipline in relationships led to compromise. Don’t ignore red flags, thinking you can change someone.
- Who or what is influencing your heart? Solomon’s downfall was influenced by those closest to him. Make sure your relationships strengthen your walk with God rather than pulling you away.
HEART CHECK: Reflect and Grow
- Am I seeking wisdom in dating, or am I making choices based purely on feelings?
- Do I listen to wise counsel from those who love me and want the best for me?
- Are my dating choices leading me closer to God or pulling me away from Him?
- Am I ignoring warning signs in a relationship because I want it to work so badly?
- Am I surrounding myself with people who will hold me accountable to wise decisions in dating?
Photo Credit: Alex Shute – Unsplash
