1 Kings 3:9 (NKJV)
“Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”

The most important prayer request we can make, after worship and thanksgiving, is the prayer for an understanding heart. Why is this so important? Because there are so many things in life that we think we understand, but we really do not.

An understanding heart is a discerning heart. A heart that seeks to discern is a heart that confesses that it needs superior knowledge to see beyond the ordinary and to capture realities that are beyond fleshly perceptions.

The flesh is carnal, and those who operate in the flesh may have an appearance of understanding, but this is limited to their human experience. To live and judge correctly, we need help beyond what human experience can provide.

Another word for this kind of understanding heart is wisdom. Although Solomon did not call it wisdom, in His reply to Solomon, God said, “See, I have given you a wise and understanding heart” (v12). The heart of discernment is a heart of wisdom.

But what are we called to discern? Why is an understanding heart so important? Solomon explains why: “So that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong.” (NLT). This is why wisdom is so crucial in these last days.

Many things will come before us that we need to decide whether they are right or wrong. The NKJV says we need to decide between “good ” and “evil.” Every day, we will be forced to make choices that have long-lasting ramifications.

When God gave Solomon a blank check to ask for anything he wanted, he went for the heart of the matter. He could have asked for a hundred other important things, but he asked for what would influence everything else he did. We need to do the same.

Another reason why we need wisdom and discernment is that we don’t live in isolation. Our decisions have ramifications that impact others. Whether we are in leadership or not, our lives can either add value to or negatively influence others.

The Bible says that God gives wisdom “generously to those who ask it.” God is not hugging this wisdom. He is the “God of all wisdom.” To live right in these last days, we need “wisdom from above,” beyond the wisdom of this world.

This is our greatest need and our most critical recurring prayer. Never assume you know. Never assume you have what it takes. Lean heavily on God and let His wisdom penetrate your heart and your daily decision-making. It’s wisdom to ask for wisdom.

@ChineduOranye
RestlessPilgrim.org