1 Kings 4:29
And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore.
Solomon was asked by God, what can I give you? It was a blank check, the LORD obviously had the resources and ability to give Solomon anything he could dream. He could have asked for riches, long life, health, fame or world peace; but he didn't. From a pure heart Solomon asks for wisdom; that he would be capable of being a great leader of the Jewish people.
Because of Solomon's answer, God gave him more wisdom than any other person during his time, and with the wisdom he was also given riches and a long life. Motives do matter to God. James said prayers aren't answered because they are selfish prayers, full of greed and lust, but not Solomon. He wanted to be a vessel of wisdom.
Wisdom is the application of knowledge, in some ways its like common sense, but with a much deeper application. Proverbs tells us that wisdom is the principle thing in life, and if you have wisdom you are destined to walk in honor. I think everyone would desire to have the wisdom of Solomon.
No one sets a goal to be a fool, and the good news? We can have wisdom. How? The same way Solomon received it, by asking God. James said, "if any man lack wisdom let him ask of God who giveth liberally and upbraideth not." That's a promise, if we have not it's because we ask not.
Pastor Ken Smith