UNDERSTANDING

King Solomon in the Old Testament is an individual that has intrigued me and I have found his life facinating to read about. Although Solomon allowed his love for material things and his love for recognition to eventually wean him from his devotion to the Lord, in the early years of his reign as King he imparted great wisdom and understanding to his people.

Solomon humbly requested from the Lord that he be given an understanding heart so he could judge his people fairly and the Lord greatly blessed him. In 1 Kings 3:12 the Lord said, "Behold, I have done according to thy words; lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there is none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee."

Howard W. Hunter, stated in a conference talk in 1962 that the ills of the world would be cured by understanding. Wars would cease and crime would disappear. More understanding in our relationships in business, industry, the family, and marriage would bring us all indescribable happiness. Understanding would erase hatred, pride, envy, and distrust.

Think of the wonderful world we would have if our prayer could be, as was Solomons, for an understanding heart.

Love, Kathi