Think Like A King is a comprehensive W V M I system that lets schools or families use chess to help kids build the critical thinking skills they'll need for learning… and for life.
At school, it's an entire system that addresses all the needs of a chess club, from Teaching to Motivation to Management. So any school - or school district - can have an expert chess program even without an expert chess teacher.
At home, our engaging interactive chess tutorials make learning chess easier and more fun than ever. You'll find everything you need to help your kids become better chess players and better thinkers. It's like having a personal chess tutor on call 24/7.
Think Like A King is more than just great W V M I. It's a nationwide project to promote as an educational activity that provides the tools to promote successful thinking for a successful life. No wonder Think Like A King has become the Official Scholastic W V M I of the World.
Wisdom is the quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight[1] It is an ideal that has been celebrated since antiquity as the application of knowledge needed to live a good life.knowing/understanding what options are available, "Wisdom" provides the ability to differentiate between them and choose the one that is best. What this means exactly depends on the various wisdom schools and traditions claiming to help foster it. In general, these schools have emphasized various combination's of the following: knowledge, understanding, [experience] discipline, discretionIn the Old Testament of the Bible, King Solomon, son of King David (who wrote most of the Psalms) demonstrates wisdom rarely seen among today's leaders. Among Solomon's writing credits are most of the Proverbs, Song of Solomon, and perhaps Ecclesiastes. Solomon ruled the kingdom of Israel during the era of approximately 970 – 930 BCE. He is credited in I Kings 4:30-34 with wisdom greater than Eastern mystics and Egyptian scholars. He wrote more than 1,000 songs (or poems), most of which are no longer available to us. Solomon likely wrote Psalm 72 shortly after becoming King. While the book of Proverbs contrasts wisdom with folly, Solomon reportedly spoke 3,000 proverbs, and various kings all over the earth sought out Solomon for his knowledge. And Ecclesiastes contains some of the strongest philosophical insights into the human condition contained in the Bible. Any number of these writings can serve as inspirational texts for anyone aspiring to leadership positions.
Regardless of one’s beliefs and religious practices, Solomon’s ideas about how to build a kingdom form a relevant metaphor that we can easily apply to society’s secular world. Today, special interest groups, in the name of freedom of speech and plurality of all religions, are intent upon corralling religion into certain religious centers and away from government, business, and society. However, the path to building a kingdom, according to Solomon, is quite different. No matter what religion a person may or may not hold sacred, peeking behind the veil of knowledge possessed by Solomon illuminates ways to lead during a time so desperate for true leadership.
With this in mind—and given that our use of the word God refers to the mysterious forces or supreme spiritual being controlling the universe—let’s examine the wisdom in Solomon's approach to building a kingdom:
I. Align your self with your God (higher power): "Now Solomon the son of David established himself securely over his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him and exalted him greatly" (2 Chronicles 1:1). The first key to building a kingdom is to connect to our universal source. It all begins there. As seekers, we must not know so much what we seek; instead we must know how to connect. For once we connect to God, we no longer feel compelled to seek his mystery. We know the answers to previously unanswered questions and we know the right action to take in given circumstances. In this knowledge, we gain ultimate fulfillment, and if we aspire to be great leaders, we must first be spiritually fulfilled. We then will be in position to lead and will be rightly exalted to a position of our own gifts. We read a few verses later that Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings before a bronze altar in front of the leaders of thousands and hundreds of people. This was customary, yet Solomon made grand gestures to God. It was this night that God appeared to Solomon and said to him, "Ask what I shall give you."
God offers this question to EACH of us when we learn to glorify him instead of our own egos. In other words, when we connect with our universal power and trade our ego-based selfishness for a position of integrity and doing right in God's eyes, we then enjoy the opportunity to ask for the means to further our aspirations the most. If we are to build a “kingdom,” we must have this power. The saying, “Be careful what you ask for” has important meaning when we consider the faith that we may RECEIVE what we ask for.
Solomon asked for wisdom and knowledge. In 2 Chronicles (1:10) Solomon asked God, in prayer, "Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can rule this great people of Thine?" What did Solomon ask for? Glory? Riches? Conquests? Lovers? Longevity? Fame? No. He asked, humbly, for wisdom and knowledge. This is what leaders must have in order to best build their kingdom.
God recognized Solomon's humility: a weak flower bends in the wind, while the mighty tree falls from the storm. Our own leaders today would learn from Solomon's request. Solomon did not approach God from a position of ego; he approached God from a position of humility, honor, and service. How might we serve the best? This is the first question a leader must ask. In return for Solomon's eager desire to please God with his simple request to gain wisdom and knowledge, that he might lead God's people, Solomon receives wisdom and knowledge—as well as riches, wealth, honor, and victory over enemies. The lesson in this is that God delivers more than we ask for when we approach God from a position of humility, awe, respect, and service. Yes, it is impossible to evaluate Solomon's approach to building an empire without first recognizing Solomon's relationship to God.
While the current trend is to reject the endorsement of religion in government and business institutions, it is important to recognize that without our intuition (gut feel) few brilliant ideas would rise from our leaders. And, intuition is a spiritual process as much as intellectual. I challenge companies to embrace their spirituality, to embrace God – not that a religion needs to be endorsed, but a belief and alignment with spiritual resources as much as physical resources.
II. Focus on your primary mission. Solomon next decided to build a temple for the name of the Lord, and a royal palace for himself. This temple construction was a major undertaking.
Solomon then built a temple for the Lord, and a royal palace for himself. Again, he kept his focus on how he might please God with his actions. In our kingdoms of today, do businesses build first for God or try to separate God from work? In our political structures of today, do governments try to please God or try to separate church from state? Solomon, in his wisdom, chose to honor God. Solomon recognized (2 Chronicles 2:6), "who is able to build a house for Him (God), for the heavens and the highest heavens cannot contain him?"
This temple was small but impressive (http://phoenicia.org/temple.html). For the full account of dimensions and materials Solomon gathered for the temple, see 2 Chronicles 3 and I Kings 6 and 7. Solomon’s temple, his primary mission, made other buildings look rather pale in comparison, especially considering the walls were lined with gold.
This undertaking was considered quite industrious. Solomon’s task force required twenty years to complete the mission.
III. Gather your internal resources and form trade. Solomon’s mission of building a temple was monumental. Israel did not have enough stone, gold, wood, or workers to begin work. So Solomon gathered resources, formed trade, and bartered resources he could spare for the resources he needed to complete the mission. In 2 Chronicles 1:14 – 17, we see how Solomon gathered his resources and amassed an army of chariots and stationed them in cities. In a leadership context, what resources are available to us? Solomon amassed his horses and chariots from other countries, such as Egypt and Kue, then sold many to other countries and built his own fleet of chariots by profiting from the trade. If we build masses of resources, and then consolidate them in hubs (cities), we can increase our influence throughout our kingdom.
In order to build the temple, Solomon needed wood and stone. He approached Huram, King of Tyre, to barter wood and skilled workers for barley, wheat, wine, and oil. He also needed workers, wood, gold, quarrymen, ironworkers, and supervisors. Solomon checked the census and round he had 150,000+ laborers at his disposal. This would be equivalent to employing all of the employees at Goldman Sachs, Cisco, Intel, and Starbucks combined for a period of twenty years.
IV. Consolidate leadership within your kingdom. Solomon lived during a period of strife, war, and backstabbing. Does this sound familiar? Solomon quickly did away with two of his biggest opponents, who had laid claim to the throne prior to David passing the mantle of leadership to Solomon. One of Solomon’s moves against an enemy of his father, David, was to give his enemy just enough rope to hang himself. Solomon told Shimei, an enemy of King David and threat to the throne, to build a house and not to depart from a general territory near Jerusalem for any reason, or he would face certain death. Shimei agreed to this arrangement. Three years later, however, Shimei's servants left and went to Gath, and Shimei followed them (thus violating his agreement). Keeping our agreements is important to building a kingdom, whether in a leadership or subjugated position, and Solomon's rule dictated prompt execution for Shimei. This act consolidated Solomon's leadership and gave Solomon absolute authority over his people. If there are people in your own “kingdom” grasping for your power, you must either make them allies or send them if you are to have absolute authority. Of course, within a democratic system, it isn't always possible to execute our enemies (nor do we recommend killing insubordinate business staff). So, the next step—forming alliances—might resolve some of those challenges.
Do you want to be successful in life? King Solomon has much advice for you
All actions carry consequences, good or bad. You may have heard this spoken of as “cause and effect.” Do you know that this is a law, just as sure as gravity? “The curse causeless shall not come” (Prov. 26:2). In other words, there is a cause for every effect.
For example, if you don’t study, you will fail your exams, or score poorly. If you don’t get enough sleep, you will be tired the next day. If you don’t eat properly, you will eventually become sick. If you don’t practice, you won’t make the sports team. For every effect, there is an underlying cause.
There are many situations in which this ever-present law comes into play. Based on the decisions you make, it can either work for your benefit or to your detriment. This unseen law can build you up—or bring you down.
Obviously, we all want to lead happy, successful lives. We all want to avoid making mistakes that could lead to ruin. Here’s how you can use the law of “cause and effect” to your benefit.
The Hard Way or the Better Way
There are two ways from which we can learn to avoid trouble. The first is by actual experience. Frequently, this involves unknowingly doing the wrong thing, and then through painful experiences learning it is not the right thing to do. You may have heard your parents call it “learning the hard way,” or “learning through the school of hard knocks.”
Perhaps as a child you burned your hand after being warned not to touch the stove. Or you were scratched by a cat, or bitten by a dog, for pulling their tail. At some point, you probably had to “learn the hard way.”
There is a better way to learn: from the experiences of others, especially adults. You should regularly seek advice and learn from your parents, aunts, uncles, teachers and other respected and responsible adults. Many mistakes can be avoided if you listen to those with wisdom and experience.
Of course, you can also learn by reading about the lives of others. Valuable lessons are contained in books written about famous people.
There is another place where you can get advice. The Bible contains many stories written for our learning (Rom. 15:4). There is also an abundance of sound advice given by individuals. One such person is a king who lived over 2,500 years ago.
A Wise King
King Solomon was famous for his wisdom. In fact, he was the wisest human being who has ever lived (I Kings 3:12). He was so wise that many kings and other prominent people from around the world came to hear his wisdom. One such person was the Queen of Sheba. Skeptical about his famous reputation for wisdom, she came to test him with difficult questions. But after hearing his answers and seeing his wise administration, and the beauty and orderliness of his palace, she believed!
But even though he was wise, Solomon made mistakes. For instance, he disobeyed God and married women of other religions, even though he knew it was wrong. These women turned his heart away from God, and from God’s blessings (I Kings 11:1-4).
Solomon learned many lessons in his life, and as a result became very wise. He was also granted wisdom by God (I Kings 4:29). This wisdom—which can greatly benefit you—is primarily recorded in the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. While his advice is valuable for people of all ages, much of it is specifically directed to young people. Let’s take a look.
Obey Your Parents
Today it isn’t “cool” to listen to parents. Parents are considered “old fashioned,” and out of touch with reality. Some teens even disrespectfully refer to their father as “the old man,” and to their mother as “a nag.” Many today believe their parents don’t understand them or the issues teens face. As a result, disobeying parents is common throughout society.
Are you tempted to disobey your parents? To disrespect them? Heed Solomon’s advice: “My son, hear the instruction of your father, and forsake not the law of your mother” (Prov. 1:8).
Your parents have much more wisdom and experience than you. They can guide you in the right direction and help you avoid harmful mistakes.
Spend time with your parents. Seek their advice. You might be surprised by how much they know. Notice what Solomon said: “The thing that has been is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun” (Ecc. 1:8-9).
There is nothing new. Your parents have experienced or been confronted with many of the same things as you. They have also seen similar problems in society: drugs, gangs, alcohol abuse, bullies, violence, depression, trendy styles, stress, consequences of premarital sex, problem relationships, broken friendships, etc.
Keep Good Company
Are you tempted to hang out with the “in-crowd”? The crowd that has a reputation for getting into trouble, violence, bullying, constantly swearing, not studying, listening to offensive music, constantly tinkering with their cellphones, dressing in provocative designer clothes, constantly partying, or getting drunk.
Do you consider them role models? If you want to lead a successful life, then avoid bad company like the plague—or else it will corrupt you. It will influence you into bad habits, into doing things that are contrary to God’s Way (I Cor. 15:33). Associating with bad company will eventually lead to destructive habits, and possibly a bad reputation. Just as dead flies can spoil expensive ointment, one mistake can ruin your reputation (Ecc. 10:1).
Avoid Quarrels
Do you become angry easily? Are you quick to get involved in quarrels? Do you take pride in your temper? Are you tempted to “lose it” when provoked by others, when you don’t get what you want, or when someone tells you something you don’t want to hear?
Quarrelling is not a sign of strength, but weakness. Being temperamental is a sign of a lack of character. “He that has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls” (Prov. 25:28). When you fly into a temper, you become defenseless. You start reacting without thinking. This allows others to manipulate you, and therefore control you. They know what “sets you off.” As the saying goes, they can now “push your buttons.” Lashing out can result in a heap of problems with others—and even with men’s laws.
By contrast, maintaining a calm head helps you to think through whatever situation you are facing. It helps you to consider potential solutions and choose the best one. “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that rules his spirit than he that takes a city” (Prov. 16:32). Staying calm keeps you from doing things you will later regret.
Another way to avoid quarrels is to not stir up strife with your tongue. Whenever you are provoked by others, remember the following rule: “A soft answer turns away wrath; but grievous words stir up anger” (Prov. 15:1). Raising your voice, shouting or uttering biting, sarcastic comments only serves to provoke or intensify arguments or disagreements.
Stay Away From Violence
Today, violence is promoted in television shows, music videos, magazines, video games and on the Internet.
Violence is often thought of as something good. It is seen as a sign of strength. It is popular for teenagers to see themselves as “bad.” By this, they mean they will respond violently with overwhelming force if anyone “messes with them” or “disrespects” them.
What if your peers ask you to perform violent deeds with them? How should you react? “My son, if sinners entice you, consent you not. If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily [secretly] for the innocent without cause…My son, walk not you in the way with them; refrain your foot from their path” (Prov. 1:10-11, 15).
Involvement in violent acts will eventually get you into trouble. It may even cost your life.
You should also be careful of becoming friends with angry people. Their attitudes will eventually infect you, and you will become just like them (Prov. 22:24-25).
Work Ethic
In school, are you working diligently at your studies? Do you do your homework in a timely manner? Or do your parents have to continually push you?
What about when your parents ask you to perform chores around the house? Do you work hard to do the best job possible? Or do you just do things as quickly as you can in a slip-shod fashion so you can get back to what you really want to do? Do your parents consider you to be a hard worker?
If you want to succeed in life, you must learn the value of hard work. “The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute” (Prov. 12:24). And whatever you do, give it your all (Ecc. 9:10). Don’t perform a task half-heartedly.
Lazy people eventually have little, or even nothing. This is their “reward” for their lack of effort (Prov. 13:4). Don’t let this happen to you; don’t allow yourself to be a “slacker.”
Solomon was a great observer of nature; he learned many lessons there. Next time you see a colony of ants, notice how hard they work and learn from their example (Prov. 6:6-11).
Don’t wait for your parents or others to ask you to perform certain tasks. Take the initiative, be proactive—and work hard to accomplish the job. Others will notice your attitude, and you will eventually be recognized. “See you a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean [unknown] men”(Prov. 22:29).
Hard work leads to success.
Fear God
There is much wisdom from King Solomon in the Bible, wisdom that will greatly benefit you. Do you want to become successful? Then take time to study the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, and apply the principles therein. If you do, you will be well on your way to success and keep yourself from much heartache and suffering.
The greatest piece of advice given by Solomon is found in the final chapter of Ecclesiastes: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter. Fear God, and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecc. 12:13). This is the key to success. Do what God says, and see the benefits in your life.
May God Bless Kerin .
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