Solomon’s Wisdom
King Hiram of Tyre had always been a loyal friend of David. When Hiram learned that David’s son Solomon was the new king of Israel, he sent ambassadors to congratulate him.
Then Solomon sent this message back to Hiram: “… Please command that cedars from Lebanon be cut for me. Let my men work alongside yours, and I will pay your men whatever wages you ask. As you know, there is no one among us who can cut timber like you Sidonians!”
When Hiram received Solomon’s message, he was very pleased and said, “Praise the LORD today for giving David a wise son to be king of the great nation of Israel.”
1 Kings 5:1–2, 6–7
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Encouragement for Today
Solomon saw opportunities, and he had a good sense of timing. When the king of Tyre showed he was favorably disposed toward Solomon, Solomon recognized it as a good time to ask the king of Tyre to provide wood for the Temple Solomon dreamed of building. He drew on the strengths of the Sidonians—they were good at cutting timber. We see Solomon’s wisdom at work again in this example of persuasion. Solomon appealed to strengths and helped people feel good about being part of a grand undertaking. They were all too happy to comply.
June 2, 2008