The value of gold and silver has soared over the past few years. These precious metals have historically been celebrated as extremely valuable. But long ago, young King Solomon wrote, “Joyful is the person who finds wisdom . . . For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold” (Proverbs 3:13-14).

In the early days of his reign, Solomon was wise enough to ask God for wisdom (instead of silver or gold). Realizing he was in over his head, he asked God for an “understanding heart” to govern and judge his people (1 Kings 3:7-9). And God granted the king his request (1 Kings 3:10-12).

It wasn’t long before his wisdom was put to the test. Two women asked Solomon to settle a maternity dispute. Both of the women had recently given birth, but one of the babies died. Now both were claiming to be the mother of the living baby (1 Kings 3:16-22).

After listening to the women, Solomon called for a sword and ordered the baby to be cut in two—giving half to one woman and half to the other (1 Kings 3:25).

How outrageous, yet brilliant! For it revealed the true mother. She cried out and pleaded for the king to give the baby to the other woman (1 Kings 3:26). Solomon immediately knew to whom he should give the child (1 Kings 3:27).

Today, we too can be faced with tough decisions. The apostle James wrote that if we need to know what to do, we should ask God for “wisdom.” The apostle knew that if we find ourselves in a tight spot, God will guide us. And He will “not rebuke” us “for asking” for insight (James 1:5).

God doesn’t scold us for seeking His wisdom in handling a challenging situation; He welcomes it. Do the wise thing today!

NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 11:1-9