Man’s first and greatest need is an understanding heart, a heart that can understand its own problems and needs as well as the will of God. The greater the responsibilities man is called upon to bear, the greater his need of an understanding heart. One who is placed in a position of authority needs to understand the problems of others and how to solve them. In the administration of justice and the conduct of the affairs of state, he needs much of practical wisdom, keenness of insight, and clearness of judgment. One of Solomon’s major functions would be the hearing of difficult cases that would be referred to him by the lesser judges of the land. Standing at the head of the people of God, he sensed his great need of wisdom from God. No better understanding of the basic nature of wisdom is found anywhere than in the words written by him: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10). “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding” (Prov. 4:7).