Solomon impressed God. Of all that Solomon could have asked for, he chose chokmah and madda. According to the story, “God answered Solomon, ‘Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like’” (2 Chron. 1:11–12).
We learn at least two important lessons from Solomon’s story that I wish to use as a launching pad to explain how education is a godly principle to catapult us toward success. The first lesson is that Solomon showed a remarkable measure of maturity. As a young, new king, he had the insight that knowledge is consequential to a successful kingdom. Secondly, we learn something about God. A divine conditioning for success has to do with knowledge. If God gives us material gain without wisdom and knowledge, we will enjoy it, momentarily. But if God grants us wisdom and knowledge, significant gain will follow and would be sustainable as well. This reminds me of the old saying, “If you give a man a fish, he will eat for a day. But, if you show the man how to fish, he will eat many days.” The lessons are very similar. Education is an important key in long-term success. As Christians it is wise that we grasp hold of the essentiality of education. As with Solomon, it pleases God when we seek wisdom and knowledge as principles for success. Are we praying for what Solomon prayed for?