Definition: And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that [is] on the sea shore.
Explanation: Okay, letโs break down this verse from 1 Kings 4:29. It's a really beautiful and symbolic image! Hereโs what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is about Godโs incredible gift of wisdom and understanding to Solomon โ the king of Israel โ and his generous, expansive heart. Letโs unpack it piece by piece: "God gave Solomon wisdom..." - This means God recognized Solomon's potential and gifted him with a deep knowledge and understanding of things. It wasn't just about knowing facts; it was about understanding the world around him, how to rule wisely, and what was right and wrong. "...and largeness of heart..." โ This is key! "Largeness of heart" means being generous, compassionate, and willing to do good for others. It's a big, open spirit. Solomon was known for his ambition, but this verse suggests he had a truly expansive capacity for empathy and concern for the people around him. "...even as the sand that [is] on the sea shore." - This is where it gets really poetic. The sea shore is incredibly vast and full of possibilities. The sand on the sea shore represents something limitless, boundless, and easily molded โ like the vastness of the kingdom he would rule. Putting it all together: God gifted Solomon with a mind that was expansive (large heart) and capable of understanding things beyond measure (wisdom). Itโs as if he had an ocean of knowledge within him, ready to be used for good. Overall Meaning: This verse emphasizes that God's gifts are not just about quantity โ theyโre about the quality of those gifts. Solomon was given a profound gift of wisdom and compassion, allowing him to lead his people wisely and justly. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the significance of this verse in a specific context (like its role in the story of David)? Give you some examples of how wisdom can be used well?