There is a famous saying that goes, “Put the first things first.”

If God appears and tells you that He will give you whatever you ask from Him, what is the first thing that comes into your mind?

I asked this particular question to several people. The general consensus was health, peace, and a kind and loving relationship. There were also a couple who said that they would ask for a lottery winning number combinations! I presume that those wishes reflected the pressing need of each person. I won’t argue as to which among them is most important in their lives.  All these things are valid needs and priorities.

Let me cite a biblical perspective to respond to the question of what is the first thing to ask for. I will borrow a story of Solomon in the Book of Chronicles (2 Chronicles 1:6-12).
One day, God appeared to Solomon and told him, “Ask for whatever you want, and I will give it to you.” Solomon’s response was interesting.

He said, “You have shown great kindness to David, my father and have made me king in his place. Now, Lord God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me wisdom that I may lead these people of yours.

Yes, the first thing Solomon asked was wisdom. He could have asked for more armies because his kingdom was threatened by outside forces.  He could also ask for gold to strengthen his powers. But he simply asked for wisdom.

Wisdom is the ability to discern or judge what is genuine, right, important and lasting. Wisdom indeed is the first thing. Wisdom is better than gold!” (Proverbs 16:16).
Wisdom is a gift of the Holy Spirit, which teaches and reminds us of the true values in life.

Wisdom gives us a broader perspective of the world we live, the appreciation of our gifts and the direction of what path we take our lives to. Wisdom guides us, especially in times of trials and confusions. If we seek God’s wisdom, we know what it takes to be happy, to be successful, and to be peaceful in life.

Indeed, the chaos in our world and our personal lives may exist because we heavily rely on our knowledge, and not from the wisdom of God.

We are all invited to seek God’s wisdom. Let’s always take time in silence. Take a break from all the noises and distractions in our daily lives. Listen to God and one another.  The book of Proverbs (4:7) says that the beginning of wisdom is getting wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!