You know the saying, “Hindsight is 20/20.”  We can always look back and see the mistakes that we have made.  However, often one thing will lead to another and before you know it, you are sliding down a very slippery slope. I have seen people get themselves in a mess through bad decisions, doing things they shouldn’t be doing, and even poverty and homelessness will sometimes lead to decisions that otherwise one would not make in different circumstances.  I have been in those dark places before and wondered, “How did I even get here?”  It is usually in these times that we begin praying.  We begin praying for a way out!

In 1 Kings 3:3-14, Solomon who is King David’s son is now the King of Israel.  Just before his dad died, he told Solomon to always be with the Lord and to follow the Lord’s ways.  And, Solomon does.  He loves God and wants to do the right thing.  Solomon has a dream.  In his dream, God comes to him and says, “Ask what I should give you?” (v.5).  Wow!  What would I say if God were to come to me and ask me that question?  Here is how Solomon responds, “Give me an understanding mind to govern your people; able to discern between good and evil…” (v.9). Solomon asked God for “Wisdom!”  Solomon wanted the ability to know right from wrong so that he would never head down that slippery slope of bad decisions and getting himself in situations in which, he did not know how to get out!  What if…We all had the gift of wisdom and the ability to discern right from wrong?  I wonder if all we need to do is ask for it?

Let us pray…Gracious God, give us the gift of wisdom.  Give us the ability to discern right from wrong.  Give us the ability to stand strong when wrong is being done.  Lead us into your ways only.  In your name we pray.  Amen.