Have you made it to the perfect dad club? I know I haven’t. Fatherhood is challenging, and there’s no such thing as a perfect dad.
But still, I need real examples of God’s wisdom so I can implement it into our fatherhood. A great mentor once said, “You don’t have to make all the mistakes, right?”
No matter how strategic I try to be in my role as a husband and father, I’ve learned that I need more than just a well-thought-out plan. I need real wisdom that goes beyond clever words and human understanding.
Fatherhood is a tall order. One person who drips in examples of God’s wisdom despite a tall order is King Solomon, Son of King David.
Let’s lean in.
Why King Solomon’s Example of God’s Wisdom is Important
The Bible shows us that Solomon was quite the guy (check out 1 Kings 3:5-14). He was King David and Bathsheba’s son. Solomon is popularly known for his wealth of wisdom.
Long story short, there’s a point in history where God tells Solomon to ask for anything, and Solomon asks for wisdom (you can read about it in 1 Kings 3:9). God was so happy with his choice that He not only gave him wisdom but also loaded him up with riches and honor (see 1 Kings 3:13).
One of the greatest stories about Solomon’s wisdom is in 1 Kings 3:16-28. There were two ladies arguing over who was the real mom of a baby. Solomon said, “Let’s chop the baby in half,” but the real mom freaked out and said, “No way, let her have it!” Solomon instantly knew she was the true mom and gave her the baby.
Solomon’s wisdom and teachings pop up all over the Bible, especially in Proverbs and the Song of Solomon. He’s a solid example, especially for us dads, when it comes to seeking examples of God’s wisdom and making fair calls. Fatherhood is challenging, but you can find the courage to trust God’s calling for your life as a dad.
Don’t Rely On Yourself.
Solomon sought God’s guidance through prayer and humility, catapulting examples of God’s wisdom in his life. He didn’t rely solely on his own wisdom, even though he was famously wise. In 1 Kings 3:5-14, when God appeared to him in a dream and offered him anything he desired, Solomon asked for an “understanding heart” to judge the people and discern between right and wrong.
This act of turning to God for wisdom shows us dads the importance of humility and recognizing that we don’t have all the answers. It’s important that we learn and teach our children the value of seeking guidance from God, whether through prayer, worship, reading the Bible, going to church, surrounding ourselves with a godly community, or, more importantly, a combination of it all. I’m convinced if Solomon could share one thing with every dad today, he’d start by saying, “Don’t rely on yourself.”
Build With God’s Blueprint.
When you trust God and his wisdom to oversee such a monumental project, Solomon was able to build the first temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 6-7). This temple became a central religious and cultural symbol for the nation of Israel.
Solomon’s ability to build the first temple with divine wisdom shows us dads that just like Solomon took on the huge task of constructing the temple, as a father, we’re tasked with building a strong and loving family foundation.
Building the first temple wasn’t just about bricks and mortar; it was about creating a sacred space for worship, reflection, and community. Similarly, as dads, we can trust God to help us in creating a nurturing and supportive environment where our children can grow spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually.
We too can seek guidance and wisdom from God to shape our family’s values and principles. We can turn to our faith in Jesus to provide a moral compass for our children, just as the temple provided a spiritual center for the Israelites.
While you and I may not be constructing a physical temple, Solomon still shows us an example of God’s wisdom. We can see our roles as dads as that of spiritual builders, creating a strong and loving family unit guided by God. Solomon’s wisdom in building the temple can remind all of us about the importance of creating a meaningful and lasting legacy within our own family.
Lead With Light.
We’re not in this alone, and there’s a wealth of lessons in God’s Word to be the smart and loving dad we want to be. Take a cue from King Solomon, who had his fair share of successes and stumbles but ultimately found wisdom through it all.
To take it even further on the path of wisdom, Solomon pens the book of Proverbs; a place in the Bible filled with examples of God’s wisdom is the Book of Proverbs.
Let’s connect ourselves to the true source of God’s wisdom in the Bible. Let’s be the kind of dads that lead our families with light.
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