WHEN Solomon was made King of Israel God asked him what he would like to be given.

He did not ask for great riches, conquests, long life or even a spin-doctor. He asked for understanding to discern between good and evil.

So God, pleased with Solomon, granted him wisdom and added riches and honour as well.

I wonder if we value wisdom as much as we should. Packaging and presentation often seem as important as content. Yet wisdom is a quality, which is at the heart of things, and it does not rely on packaging.

The wise person has serenity and understanding. They may not say a great deal, but each word will be worthy of consideration. They may not always say what we meant to hear. A wise person will be a spiritual person, because true wisdom must take account of God, who made us and who is source of light and truth.

REV RICHARD ROSOMAN, Vicar of Holy Trinity, Malvern & St James, West Malvern.