Bible in a Year - Women’s Thematic Reading Plan | Day 49

February 18 / Day 49 

The Queen of Sheba: Seeking Wisdom 

📖 1 Kings 10:1-13 

A Minute of Grace

1 Kings 10:1-13 records that when the Queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to Jerusalem to prove him with hard questions. She arrived with a very great train, with camels bearing spices, much gold, and precious stones. She spoke with Solomon of all that was in her heart, and Solomon answered all her questions. There was nothing hidden from the king that he could not explain to her.

The Queen of Sheba not only heard Solomon’s answers; she also saw his wisdom, his house, the food of his table, the sitting of his servants, the attendance of his ministers, their apparel, his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the Lord. Scripture says there was no more spirit in her. She confessed that the report she had heard in her own land was true, yet she had not been told even half of it. Then she blessed the Lord, who delighted in Solomon and set him on the throne of Israel to do judgment and justice.

From the perspective of “Women in the Bible,” the Queen of Sheba is a deeply meaningful figure. She had status, wealth, and authority, yet she did not become self-satisfied. She knew she still needed to seek, still needed to ask, and still needed to receive light from true wisdom. Her journey was more than a diplomatic visit; it was also a journey of seeking wisdom.

She reminds us that a woman’s wisdom does not come only from experience, endurance, or carrying everything by herself. True wisdom begins with the humility to admit that we have questions, the courage to seek answers, and the willingness to recognize that wisdom ultimately comes from God. The Queen of Sheba came with hard questions, but she left with praise to the Lord. What she saw was not merely Solomon’s glory, but the glory of the God who gives wisdom, establishes kingdoms, and loves justice.

Today’s theme, “The Queen of Sheba: Seeking Wisdom,” invites us to reflect: When we face the hard questions of life, where do we seek answers? Do we rely only on our own experience, other people’s opinions, online information, or emotional reactions? Or are we willing to bring the questions of our hearts before God and ask Him for true wisdom?

Whispers for the Heart

1 The Queen of Sheba heard of Solomon’s fame concerning the name of the Lord and came from far away to seek wisdom. Are there “hard questions” in your life right now—questions you cannot understand, decisions you do not know how to make, or concerns that keep circling in your heart? Are you willing to bring them honestly before God instead of carrying them alone?

2 The Queen of Sheba had authority, wealth, and status, yet she was still willing to ask questions humbly. Do you sometimes refuse to admit that you need help because you are afraid of appearing weak, uninformed, or not spiritual enough? Is God inviting you to lay down pride or pretense and seek wisdom with a humble heart?

3 After seeing Solomon’s wisdom, the Queen of Sheba ultimately blessed the Lord. In your search for answers, are you only trying to solve problems, or are you also willing to see God’s glory? When God gives wisdom and opens your eyes, are you willing to return praise to Him?

As you read 1 Kings 10:1-13 today, do not only notice the gold, spices, and precious stones the Queen of Sheba brought. Also notice her seeking heart—a heart willing to ask, observe, listen, and acknowledge the wisdom God had given.

Take a quiet breath before you begin. Bring your confusion, hard questions, decisions, and longings before the Lord, and let His Word meet you there.

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1 Kings 10:1-13 (KJV) 

10 And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to prove him with hard questions.

2 And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.

3 And Solomon told her all her questions: there was not any thing hid from the king, which he told her not.

4 And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon's wisdom, and the house that he had built,

5 And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the Lord; there was no more spirit in her.

6 And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom.

7 Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard.

8 Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom.

9 Blessed be the Lord thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the Lord loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice.

10 And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices very great store, and precious stones: there came no more such abundance of spices as these which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon.

11 And the navy also of Hiram, that brought gold from Ophir, brought in from Ophir great plenty of almug trees, and precious stones.

12 And the king made of the almug trees pillars for the house of the Lord, and for the king's house, harps also and psalteries for singers: there came no such almug trees, nor were seen unto this day.

13 And king Solomon gave unto the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever she asked, beside that which Solomon gave her of his royal bounty. So she turned and went to her own country, she and her servants.

💡 Closing Thought · Bringing Questions Toward Wisdom 

After reading 1 Kings 10:1-13, we see that the Queen of Sheba was not content with rumors. She came from far away with questions, sought earnestly, observed carefully, and responded honestly. Her journey reminds us that true wisdom does not simply come to a proud and closed heart. It is often given to those who are willing to seek, listen, and humble themselves.

As we close this page and return to real life, perhaps some questions still remain unanswered today. Some decisions may not become clear immediately. The road may not fully unfold at once. But remember this: seeking God is already the beginning of wisdom. Do not be afraid to bring your questions before Him, and do not condemn yourself for not yet understanding everything.

May today’s Scripture remind you that true wisdom does not come from more anxiety or greater control, but from fearing God, drawing near to Him, and listening to His Word. May you come before the Lord with honest questions and walk step by step in the light of wisdom from above.

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