Let’s begin our journey with Solomon’s extraordinary gift of wisdom in the book of Proverbs.
You know, if I could give you one gift that would shape every decision, every relationship, and every challenge you face — what would you want it to be?
Not money. Not power. Not fame.
King Solomon, when offered anything he wanted by God in 1 Kings chapter 3, asked for wisdom. And I think deep down, we all long for the same thing.
Why? Because wisdom is the ability to live life well.
Hi!
My name is Sunil Raheja
I am the author of this book, Dancing With Wisdom: A sacred quest to restore meaning, purpose and fun to your life and work.
In the course of my life I’ve become obsessed with the subject of wisdom. Why? Because I’ve made countless foolish mistakes in my life!
If you’re looking for wisdom a good place to start is the OT book of Proverbs.
Proverbs is a Treasury of Wisdom.
The book of Proverbs, much of it attributed to Solomon, is full of short, punchy sayings that get straight to the point:
• “A gentle answer turns away wrath.”
• “Pride goes before destruction.”
• “Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.”
These are not just clever slogans. They are insights into how life really works. In my book Dancing With Wisdom, I describe wisdom as “the art of living life well.” It’s about integrating head, heart, and hands — what we know, what we value, and how we act. Wisdom is not just information; it’s transformation.
What is the Foundation to this transformation? It’s something called The Fear of the Lord.
Proverbs repeatedly makes one thing clear: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”
That means wisdom is not primarily about being clever or successful. It’s relational. It starts with humility — recognising God as God, and myself as not. It’s living in reverence, awe, and dependence on God. Rightly respecting and honouring Him.
But there are Limits to Solomon’s Wisdom
You see, here’s the surprising thing. Solomon had unmatched wisdom. Kings and queens travelled the world to hear him speak. And yet… his life ended in tragedy. He allowed his heart to be led astray, compromised his faith, and sowed seeds of division in his kingdom. The sobering verdict on his life in 1 Kings chapter 11 is that “Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord.”
How can the wisest man who ever lived end so badly?
Because wisdom isn’t just about knowing — it’s about doing. It’s about staying faithful in relationship. And left to ourselves, even the best of us fail.
But Christ is Wisdom in Person.
This is why Jesus said in Matthew 12 v42, “One greater than Solomon is here.”
Jesus doesn’t just teach wisdom — He is wisdom.
Paul says in 1 Corinthians 1:30 that Christ has become for us wisdom from God. He embodies the fear of the Lord perfectly, lives a life of integrity, and shows us what it truly means to walk wisely.
Application / Reflection:
So, let me ask you — where are you relying on cleverness, or success, or knowledge, instead of humbly depending on God?
Wisdom isn’t something you master once for all. It’s a dance — a daily invitation to live in step with the Spirit, to walk closely with Christ, who is wisdom in the flesh.
As we close let’s reflect how Solomon points us in the right direction — but he also shows us our need. We don’t just need proverbs to guide us. We need a Person to save us. And that Person is Jesus.
Here are 3 questions for your to reflect on or discuss:
1. Where in your life are you tempted to rely on cleverness or success rather than God?
2. What does 'the fear of the Lord' mean to you in practice?
3. How does seeing wisdom as a daily 'dance' with God change your view of spiritual growth?
