Solomon wants to be wise. He shows that he already has some level of wisdom when he acknowledges his need for wisdom, For who indeed can govern this great people? Truly, couldn't we say that to anyone who aspires to public office, Good luck with that!
But the pursuit of wisdom is what all human beings do, not just leaders. Every world religion, every philosophy, folk lore, most conversations over coffee ultimately are about how to live well, how to have a life that has meaning, now not to waste it. if we don't aim for wisdom, at least we want to know how--not to be foolish.
I have a story for you this morning. It's a Japanese contribution to the world's wisdom literature.
