One Wish: Wisdom

The LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream at night.
God said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.”
Solomon answered:
“O LORD, my God, you have made me, your servant, king
to succeed my father David;
but I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act.
I serve you in the midst of the people whom you have chosen,
a people so vast that it cannot be numbered or counted.
Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart
to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.
For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?”

The LORD was pleased that Solomon made this request.
So God said to him:
“Because you have asked for this—
not for a long life for yourself,
nor for riches,
nor for the life of your enemies,
but for understanding so that you may know what is right—
I do as you requested.
I give you a heart so wise and understanding
that there has never been anyone like you up to now,
and after you there will come no one to equal you.” -1 Kings 3:5, 7-12

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” -Proverbs 4:7

“Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power.” –Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu

“If you wish to be wise, love wisdom; to love wisdom is to love what is true and to act accordingly.” -Seneca

“There is no freedom without wisdom, there is no wisdom without freedom.” -Ryan Holiday, book Wisdom Takes Work

If you’re ever lucky enough to find a magic lamp and a genie pops out and says he will grant you three wishes, tell the genie that you only need one.

Grant me wisdom to make good choices.

If you have this wisdom, everything else will take care of itself.

(Without it, you don’t stand a chance.)