Fr. Mazi Uc
Dear brothers and sisters!
In the pursuit of success and fulfilment, the world often encourages us to seek wealth, power, and personal gain. Yet, one of the most profound examples of true wisdom in the Bible comes from Solomon, who, when given the opportunity to ask for anything, did not request riches or long life. Instead, Solomon asked God for wisdom: "Give your servant, therefore, a listening heart, that he may know how to govern your people and to distinguish good from evil. Who else could govern this mighty people?" (1 Kings 3:9).
Solomon’s prayer for wisdom is an enduring example of humility and an understanding of what truly matters. Rather than seeking to enrich himself at the expense of others, Solomon recognized that the responsibility of leadership required more than worldly success—it required a heart tuned to God's will. This request for wisdom reflects a deep awareness of his dependence on God for guidance, justice, and discernment.
Wisdom as Seeing with God's Eyes
Pope Francis, in a general audience on April 9, 2014, spoke about wisdom in a way that expands its significance beyond intellectual knowledge. He described wisdom as “the grace of being able to see everything with the eyes of God. It is simply that: to see the world, the situations, the connections, the problems, everything through the eyes of God.”
This divine wisdom is not merely a human ability to solve problems or make decisions; it is a spiritual gift that allows us to align our perspective with God's, to see beyond surface appearances, and to understand the deeper truths that govern life. This wisdom grants us insight into the nature of good and evil, justice and mercy, truth and falsehood. More importantly, it enables us to make choices that reflect God's will, not our selfish desires.
The Listening Heart
Solomon’s request for a “listening heart” is significant. Wisdom begins with listening—not just to the voices of those around us, but to the voice of God speaking through Scripture, prayer, and the Holy Spirit. A listening heart is one that is attentive to God’s guidance, humble enough to recognize its limitations, and open to correction and learning.
In our fast-paced world, where we are often bombarded with information, opinions, and distractions, cultivating a listening heart is essential. True wisdom requires slowing down, pausing to reflect, and creating space to hear God’s voice. This kind of listening is active and intentional, allowing us to perceive the truth beneath the noise and discern what truly matters.
Wisdom in Daily Life
Just as Solomon needed wisdom to govern Israel, we too need wisdom to navigate the complexities of daily life. Whether in our relationships, careers, or personal struggles, asking for wisdom helps us approach challenges with humility and clarity. It reminds us that we do not have all the answers, and it invites God to guide our decisions.
Wisdom is not reserved for grand, life-altering decisions but is crucial for the small, everyday choices that shape our character and our future. It helps us respond with patience instead of anger, generosity instead of selfishness, and courage instead of fear. As we seek to live faithfully, wisdom enables us to act with integrity, understanding the consequences of our actions on others and ourselves.
A Humble Request for Wisdom
In asking for wisdom, we acknowledge our dependence on God. It is a humble request, recognizing that human knowledge and reasoning are limited and prone to error. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”
Solomon’s example teaches us that wisdom is not about acquiring knowledge for personal gain but about seeking God's guidance for the benefit of others. When we pray for wisdom, we are asking for more than just the ability to solve problems; we are asking for the capacity to understand the world as God does, to discern His will, and to act in ways that bring about justice, peace, and mercy.
Seeing Through God’s Eyes
To see with the eyes of God, as Pope Francis suggests, is to adopt a perspective that is grounded in love, compassion, and justice. It means recognizing the dignity of every person, seeing situations with a heart of mercy, and responding to challenges with trust in God's plan. Wisdom allows us to see beyond our own limited vision and to trust in God's greater purpose for our lives and the world.
This divine vision helps us to navigate difficult situations with grace. When we face uncertainty, wisdom reminds us that God is in control. When we encounter conflict, wisdom encourages us to seek reconciliation rather than division. When we are overwhelmed by life's challenges, wisdom gives us the strength to persevere with hope.
Conclusion
Solomon’s request for wisdom is a timeless example of what it means to live a life that seeks God’s will above all else. In a world that often values power, wealth, and personal gain, asking for wisdom reflects a desire to lead with humility, justice, and discernment. Wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge; it is the grace to see the world as God sees it, to understand the deeper truths of life, and to act in ways that reflect God's love and goodness.
Let us, like Solomon, ask God for a listening heart and the wisdom to distinguish good from evil. Let us pray for the grace to see with the eyes of God, so that our actions may bring about His peace, justice, and love in the world.
Fr. Mazi Uc