“Give me wisdom.” – 2nd Chronicles 1:10

In his book Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell popularized the idea that it takes 10,000 hours of concentrated practice in order to possess what is considered a world-class skill in something. I don’t think Solomon had 10,000 hours in mind when, as the new king on the throne over God’s people, he prayed to God to give him wisdom.  

A deep dive into Solomon’s request for wisdom suggests that he was seeking “mastery over his mind”.  Thus, he wanted to not be defective in any way before God’s people.  Imagine that!  He could’ve asked God for greater wealth, the destruction of all of his enemies, and more popularity.  But instead, Solomon prays for God to give him mastery over his mind, so that he will not be defective before God’s people.

What are your defects?  Putting off what needs to be done?  Suspicious of everyone?  Blaming others for your mistakes?    We would all do well to seek God for mastery over our minds, so that we become the example, and not the cautionary tale.
 
Prayer
Father, I don’t want to be the problem.  Give me wisdom that I may be the best version of myself, and give you glory everywhere, at all times.  In Jesus name, Amen.

PK