In the heat of World War I, President Woodrow Wilson pleaded for "peace without victory." He said that "victory would mean a peace forced upon the loser, a victor's terms imposed upon the vanquished. It would leave a sting, a resentment, a bitter memory upon which terms of peace could not rest permanently, but only as upon quicksand." The world rejected Wilson's plea, but within twenty-one years, his prophecy had come true. Germany, stung by the imposed Treaty of Versailles, lashed out angrily and started the blood bath of World War II.
Tragically, world leaders with wisdom are few and far between. And when they do exist, too often, other leaders negate their influence. Solomon, ascending to his father's throne, knew he must have divine wisdom to judge his people, if his reign was to be peaceful and prosperous. Thus, his single prayer was for wisdom, and God was pleased by it (1 Kings 3:5-9). Solomon received his request, and Israel entered a golden age of prosperity.
Today, let us pray for world leaders that they, too, will seek God's wisdom for our world. And, on a personal scale, may we ask God for his wisdom as we go about the business of living. Whether in a country or a home, God grants wisdom to all who ask.
“Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?”
1 Kings 3:9 KJV
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