Why Did History’s Wisest King Still Pray for Wisdom Every Day?

Imagine having access to unlimited wisdom—supernatural intelligence that could solve any problem, answer any question, and navigate every challenge with perfect understanding. Now imagine choosing to pray daily for guidance anyway. This wasn’t theoretical for King Solomon. Granted divine wisdom beyond any ruler before or since, he still felt compelled to ask God each morning to guide his thoughts and words. His prayer in Wisdom 7:15 reveals a startling truth about leadership, communication, and spiritual maturity that challenges everything we think we know about confidence and competence. What Solomon understood—and what we desperately need to rediscover—will transform not just how you speak, but how you think, lead, and navigate every relationship in your life.

Daily Biblical Reflection: Seeking Divine Wisdom in Our Words and Thoughts

Wisdom 7:15 – A Call to Humble Leadership and Discerning Speech

Opening Prayer

Gracious and all-knowing God, as we gather our hearts before Your Word today, we come with minds eager to learn and spirits yearning for Your wisdom. You are the source of all understanding, the wellspring of every good thought, and the gentle corrector of our wandering ways.

Grant us, O Lord, the humility to recognise that every insight we possess flows from Your generous hand. Shape our words that they may carry weight and truth. Mould our thoughts that they may reflect Your character. Guide us to speak with judgment and live with the wisdom that comes from above.

As we meditate on this verse from the Book of Wisdom, open our understanding to see how desperately we need Your guidance in every conversation, every decision, and every moment of leadership You entrust to us. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

The Verse and Its Context

“May God grant me to speak with judgment and to have thoughts worthy of what I have received, for he is the guide even of wisdom and the corrector of the wise.”Wisdom 7:15 (NRSV)

This profound prayer emerges from one of Scripture’s most beautiful passages about wisdom, found in the deuterocanonical Book of Wisdom. Traditionally attributed to King Solomon, this text represents the mature reflection of a leader who has learned that true authority comes not from position or power, but from divine guidance.

The immediate context places us within Solomon’s extended meditation on wisdom’s nature and necessity. In the preceding verses, he describes wisdom as more precious than gold, more beautiful than any earthly treasure, and more valuable than health itself. But here, in verse 15, we witness something remarkable: the wisest king in human history acknowledging his complete dependence on God for both right thinking and appropriate speech.

This verse sits at the heart of the broader biblical narrative of God’s desire to share His wisdom with humanity. From the Garden of Eden, where the first humans chose their own understanding over divine guidance, to the incarnation of Christ, who became “the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24), Scripture consistently reveals God’s heart to guide His people into truth.

Key Themes and Main Message

The central message of this verse revolves around three interconnected themes that form the foundation of authentic spiritual leadership: humble dependence, responsible speech, and divine accountability.

Humble Dependence manifests in Solomon’s opening phrase, “May God grant me.” Despite being history’s wisest ruler, he recognises that wisdom is not a possession to be owned but a gift to be received afresh each day. The Hebrew concept behind “grant” suggests not a one-time endowment but an ongoing, daily provision.

Responsible Speech appears in his desire “to speak with judgment.” The word “judgment” here carries the weight of the Hebrew mishpat, meaning not merely opinion but discerning evaluation that leads to just action. Solomon understands that words carry creative and destructive power, and he yearns for speech that builds rather than tears down.

Divine Accountability emerges in the final phrase acknowledging God as “the guide even of wisdom and the corrector of the wise.” Even wisdom itself needs guidance. Even the wise need correction. This paradox reveals the infinite nature of divine understanding compared to finite human knowledge.

A crucial word study reveals that “corrector” in the original text suggests not harsh punishment but gentle redirection, like a skilled teacher guiding a student back to the proper path. God’s correction flows from love, not judgment, aimed at restoration rather than condemnation.

Historical and Cultural Background

In Solomon’s era, royal courts buzzed with advisors, each claiming expertise in governance, law, and international relations. Kings were expected to possess supernatural wisdom, often consulting oracles, astrologers, and court magicians. Against this backdrop, Solomon’s prayer stands as revolutionary.

Ancient Near Eastern rulers typically boasted of their wisdom as personal achievement or divine birthright. Egyptian pharaohs claimed divine status. Babylonian kings credited their success to superior intellect or favoured gods. But Solomon’s approach breaks this pattern entirely. He presents wisdom not as personal accomplishment but as divine stewardship requiring constant renewal.

The original Hebrew audience would have understood this prayer within their covenant relationship with Yahweh. Unlike surrounding nations which viewed gods as unpredictable forces to be manipulated, Israel knew their God as a faithful teacher, patient guide, and loving corrector. Solomon’s prayer reflects this covenant understanding: God desires to share His wisdom with those who humbly seek it.

Liturgical and Seasonal Connection

During Ordinary Time, when the Church focuses on steady spiritual growth rather than dramatic seasonal celebrations, this verse offers profound guidance for daily discipleship. The liturgical calendar reminds us that most of Christian life happens not in mountaintop experiences but in the ordinary moments requiring wise decisions and thoughtful speech.

This verse particularly resonates during seasons when the Church prays for leaders, whether ecclesiastical, political, or community figures. The prayer “May God grant me to speak with judgment” becomes especially poignant when we consider the weight of leadership responsibilities and the human tendency toward prideful self-reliance.

In the Church’s prayer life, this verse connects to the ancient tradition of seeking wisdom through contemplation and spiritual direction. Monastic communities have long practised the discipline of measured speech, understanding that words shape both speaker and listener. Solomon’s prayer echoes through centuries of Christian spirituality emphasising humble dependence on divine guidance.

Faith and Daily Life Application

This verse transforms ordinary conversations into opportunities for spiritual growth. Consider how differently we might approach difficult discussions if we began with Solomon’s prayer. Before addressing conflict with family members, we could ask God for words that bring healing rather than harm. Before making important decisions at work, we might take a moment to seek divine guidance rather than relying solely on personal experience or expertise.

Practical Steps for Living This Verse:

Begin each day with a modified version of Solomon’s prayer, asking God to guide your thoughts and words. Before important conversations, take a moment of silent prayer seeking divine wisdom. Develop the habit of pausing before responding in tense situations, creating space for God’s guidance to influence your reaction.

Keep a “wisdom journal” where you record moments when you sensed divine guidance in your thoughts or speech. Note also times when you relied on personal understanding alone and the outcomes that followed. This practice develops sensitivity to God’s ongoing correction and guidance.

Practice the discipline of measured speech by implementing a personal rule: speak less, listen more, and when you do speak, let your words carry the weight of careful thought and prayer. This doesn’t mean becoming overly cautious or losing spontaneity, but rather developing the spiritual maturity to recognise when silence serves better than speech.

Storytelling: Saint Thérèse and the Wisdom of Restraint

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, known for her “little way” of spiritual childhood, embodied Solomon’s prayer in remarkable fashion. During her brief life in the Carmelite convent, she faced numerous opportunities to defend herself against criticism or to offer unsolicited advice to struggling sisters.

One particular incident illustrates her lived understanding of this verse. A fellow nun consistently criticised Thérèse’s work, finding fault with her every effort. Rather than responding defensively or seeking to justify herself, Thérèse chose silence and prayer. She later wrote in her autobiography that she asked God daily for wisdom to know when to speak and when to remain quiet.

When the critical nun fell seriously ill, Thérèse volunteered to care for her. Through acts of gentle service rather than words of defence, she demonstrated wisdom that spoke more powerfully than any verbal response could have achieved. The dying nun later expressed amazement at Thérèse’s patience and asked forgiveness for her harsh treatment.

This story illustrates how Solomon’s prayer finds expression not only in the words we choose to speak but often in our decision to let actions carry our message. Thérèse understood that sometimes the wisest speech is no speech at all, allowing God’s love to communicate through service and sacrifice.

(The story is rooted in Saint Thérèse of Lisieux’s autobiography, Story of a Soul, and other biographical accounts. She describes dealing with critical or difficult nuns in her Carmelite convent, choosing silence, prayer, and acts of charity instead of confrontation. A specific incident involves a harsh sister (often identified as Sister St. Pierre or similar), whom Thérèse cared for during illness, leading to reconciliation and expressions of regret from the dying nun.

Interfaith Resonance: Universal Wisdom Traditions)

Christian Cross-References: James 1:5 echoes this theme: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach.” Proverbs 27:5-6 reminds us that “faithful are the wounds of a friend,” connecting to God’s role as gentle corrector. Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:19-20 about the Spirit giving us words to speak when facing difficult situations directly parallel Solomon’s request for divine guidance in speech.

Hindu Scripture Concordance: The Bhagavad Gita’s teaching in Chapter 18, Verse 63 resonates with Solomon’s humility: “Thus I have explained to you knowledge still more confidential. Deliberate on this fully, and then do what you wish to do.” Like Solomon seeking divine guidance, Krishna encourages Arjuna to seek wisdom beyond personal understanding before making crucial decisions.

Islamic Parallels: The Quran’s emphasis on seeking God’s guidance before speaking finds expression in Surah 2:269: “He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good.” This echoes Solomon’s recognition that wisdom flows from divine generosity rather than human achievement.

Buddhist Correspondences: The practice of Right Speech in the Noble Eightfold Path aligns with Solomon’s desire to “speak with judgment.” Buddhist teachings emphasise the importance of speaking truthfully, kindly, and helpfully, understanding that words carry karmic weight affecting both speaker and listener.

Community and Social Dimension

Solomon’s prayer carries profound implications for social justice and community leadership. When those in positions of authority genuinely seek divine wisdom before speaking or making decisions, the ripple effects benefit entire communities. This verse challenges us to consider how our words and thoughts impact not only immediate relationships but broader social structures.

In our current context of polarised public discourse, Solomon’s approach offers an alternative to the tendency toward reactive speech and partisan thinking. Imagine political leaders beginning each policy discussion with genuine prayer for wisdom. Consider how workplace dynamics might shift if managers sought divine guidance before addressing performance issues or making personnel decisions.

The environmental implications of this verse often go unnoticed. Our consumer choices, lifestyle decisions, and resource usage all flow from our thoughts and find expression through our words and actions. When we ask God to guide our thinking about creation care, we open ourselves to wisdom that considers not only immediate convenience but long-term stewardship responsibilities.

Family life transforms when parents embody Solomon’s prayer. Children learn as much from observing how their parents handle difficult conversations as from direct instruction. When parents model the practice of seeking divine wisdom before addressing behavioural issues or making family decisions, they teach by example the value of depending on God’s guidance rather than purely human understanding.

Commentaries and Theological Insights

Saint Augustine observed that “the beginning of wisdom is to know how foolish we are.” His insight connects directly to Solomon’s humble approach in this verse. Augustine understood that recognising our limitations creates space for divine wisdom to operate in our lives.

Thomas à Kempis, in “The Imitation of Christ,” wrote: “Be not wise in your own conceits, but rather trust in God. God can help you more than you can.” This medieval spiritual master grasped the same principle Solomon expresses: human wisdom, however impressive, remains incomplete without divine guidance.

Contemporary theologian Henri Nouwen reflected on the difficulty of maintaining this humble posture: “The great temptation is to use our expertise as a way of not having to trust God.” His observation highlights why Solomon’s prayer remains challenging for modern believers who often view expertise and divine dependence as mutually exclusive rather than complementary.

Biblical scholar Tremper Longman III notes that Wisdom literature consistently presents the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom, not its conclusion. This insight illuminates Solomon’s prayer as representing mature wisdom rather than initial spiritual awakening. Even after receiving supernatural wisdom, Solomon continues seeking divine guidance.

Psychological and Emotional Insight

This verse offers profound therapeutic value for individuals struggling with anxiety about decision-making or perfectionism in speech. Solomon’s model demonstrates that even the wisest among us need ongoing guidance, which releases us from the impossible burden of having all the answers.

The practice of pausing to seek divine wisdom before speaking creates emotional space between trigger and response. This pause, however brief, allows the prefrontal cortex to engage rather than reacting from the limbic system’s fight-or-flight responses. Neurologically, this practice builds neural pathways supporting emotional regulation and thoughtful communication.

For those wounded by harsh words from others, Solomon’s description of God as “gentle corrector” provides a healing perspective. Unlike human criticism that often tears down, divine correction builds up even when addressing our failures. This understanding can help individuals develop healthier internal dialogue and more gracious responses to others’ imperfections.

The verse also addresses the modern epidemic of information overload. In an age where everyone has access to vast knowledge, Solomon’s prayer reminds us that information without wisdom can be dangerous. The practice of seeking divine discernment helps us filter the constant stream of input through the lens of eternal perspective.

Art, Music, and Literature

Musical Connections: The hymn “Be Thou My Wisdom” captures the spirit of Solomon’s prayer beautifully. The line “Be thou my wisdom, and thou my true word” directly echoes the desire for God to guide both thoughts and speech. Consider listening to this ancient Irish melody as a form of musical prayer.

Visual Art: Raphael’s “School of Athens” depicts human wisdom in all its glory, yet the painting’s composition draws the eye toward transcendent truth beyond human achievement. This artistic technique mirrors Solomon’s recognition that even the highest human wisdom points beyond itself to divine understanding.

Literary Resonances: T.S. Eliot’s “Four Quartets” explores themes of wisdom, speech, and divine guidance that resonate deeply with this verse. His famous lines about “the right words in the right order” reflect the same concern for speech guided by transcendent wisdom that Solomon expresses.

(Reliability: High for inspirational purposes, with interpretive depth. For scholarly use, cross-reference originals (e.g., hymnals, art analyses, Eliot’s texts) to address the minor discrepancies.)

Divine Wake-up Call by Rt. Rev. Dr. Selvister Ponnumuthan

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, this verse from Wisdom pierces through the fog of our self-sufficient age like a clarion call to authentic leadership and humble discipleship.

How many of our words today flow from prayer rather than reaction? How often do we speak from divine wisdom rather than wounded pride or personal agenda? Solomon, granted supernatural wisdom by God Himself, still felt the need to pray daily for guidance in his thoughts and speech. Yet we, in our finite understanding, often launch into important conversations without a moment’s pause to seek the Lord’s guidance.

The world desperately needs Christians who embody Solomon’s humility. Our workplaces need believers who pause before speaking in meetings, seeking wisdom rather than merely voicing opinions. Our families need parents and spouses who ask God to guide their words before addressing sensitive issues. Our communities need leaders who genuinely depend on divine wisdom rather than political calculation or popular opinion.

This is not a call to passive indecision but to active dependence. The difference between human wisdom and divine wisdom often appears in the tone, timing, and target of our words. Human wisdom seeks to impress, defend, or control. Divine wisdom seeks to heal, build up, and point toward truth.

I invite you today: before your next difficult conversation, pray Solomon’s prayer. Before making your next important decision, acknowledge your need for divine guidance. Let this verse transform you from someone who speaks first and prays later into someone who prays first and then speaks with the authority that comes only from heaven.

Common Questions and Pastoral Answers

What does this verse mean for me personally? This verse invites you into daily partnership with God in the ordinary moments of communication and decision-making. It means recognising that your thoughts and words carry more weight than you might realise and that God desires to guide both. Practically, it calls you to develop the habit of brief prayer before important conversations and to remain teachable even when you feel confident about your understanding.

Why does this matter in today’s world of instant communication? In our age of immediate responses through text, email, and social media, Solomon’s prayer becomes even more crucial. The speed of modern communication often bypasses the reflective pause that wisdom requires. This verse challenges us to slow down enough to seek divine guidance even in quick interactions, understanding that hasty words can damage relationships and witness.

How do I live this out when I feel emotionally triggered or defensive? The practice begins before the triggering moment arrives. Daily prayer for wisdom creates spiritual muscle memory that kicks in during pressure situations. When you feel defensive, use that emotional signal as a cue to pause and internally pray Solomon’s prayer. Sometimes wisdom means taking time to process before responding at all.

What if I don’t feel particularly wise or spiritual? Solomon’s prayer assumes our inadequacy rather than our expertise. You don’t need to feel wise to ask for wisdom. In fact, recognising your limitations positions you perfectly to receive divine guidance. Start small: ask for wisdom before everyday conversations rather than waiting for major crises.

How does this connect to Jesus’ teaching about our words and thoughts? Jesus taught that our words flow from the overflow of our hearts (Luke 6:45) and that we’ll give account for careless words (Matthew 12:36). Solomon’s prayer aligns perfectly with Jesus’ emphasis on internal transformation leading to external change. By asking God to guide our thoughts, we address the source from which our words flow.

Practical Exercises and Spiritual Practices

Daily Wisdom Prayer: Begin each morning by praying a personalised version of Solomon’s prayer. Use your own words to ask God for guidance in your thoughts and speech throughout the day. End each evening by reflecting on moments when you sensed divine guidance and times when you relied solely on personal understanding.

The Pause Practice: Develop the discipline of taking a three-second pause before responding to difficult questions or challenging statements. Use this brief space to internally ask for divine wisdom. This micro-prayer becomes easier with practice and can dramatically improve communication patterns.

Ignatian Contemplation Exercise: Imagine yourself in Solomon’s court, witnessing his daily routine of seeking wisdom for governance. Picture the weight of decisions affecting thousands of people. Feel the humility required to consistently depend on divine guidance rather than personal expertise. Ask yourself: What areas of your life need this same humble dependence?

Family Wisdom Circle: Gather your household weekly to discuss times when family members sensed God’s guidance in decisions or conversations. Share stories of when humble listening led to better outcomes than quick reactions. This practice helps children understand that wisdom is available to them regardless of age.

Breath Prayer: Create a simple breath prayer based on this verse: “Divine wisdom” (inhale), “guide my words” (exhale). Use this throughout the day, especially before phone calls, meetings, or difficult conversations.

Virtues and Eschatological Hope

This verse cultivates the cardinal virtue of prudence – practical wisdom that helps us choose appropriate means to good ends. Prudence governs how we apply moral principles to specific situations, making it essential for Christian living. Solomon’s prayer models prudence in action: seeking divine guidance before speaking or deciding.

The virtue of humility appears throughout the verse as Solomon acknowledges his complete dependence on God for both right thinking and appropriate speech. This humility isn’t self-deprecation but accurate self-assessment that recognises human limitations while celebrating divine generosity.

Temperance emerges in the measured approach to speech that flows from wisdom. Rather than verbal excess or reactive communication, this verse encourages the disciplined use of words guided by divine discernment.

From an eschatological perspective, Solomon’s prayer points toward the ultimate fulfilment of human wisdom in Christ. When Jesus returns, we will see clearly what we now perceive dimly (1 Corinthians 13:12). The perfect wisdom we seek through prayer will be fully realised in the age to come when we no longer need correction because we will perfectly reflect divine understanding.

Yet even now, this verse offers hope that God desires to share His wisdom with us. We don’t wait until eternity to experience divine guidance in our thoughts and words. The kingdom of God breaks into our present reality through answered prayers for wisdom.

Engagement with Media

I invite you to watch the accompanying reflection video at: https://youtu.be/rezmzdvat34?si=UBk0TXrWcy7SXn2s

This visual meditation expands on the themes we’ve explored, offering additional insights into living Solomon’s prayer in contemporary contexts. The video includes practical examples of how this verse transforms ordinary interactions into opportunities for spiritual growth and witness.

Consider watching with your family or small group, using it as a starting point for discussion about areas where you most need divine wisdom. Share the video with friends who might benefit from Solomon’s model of humble leadership and dependent wisdom.

Blessing and Sending Forth

May the God of all wisdom, who guided Solomon in governance and David in leadership, grant you discernment in your thoughts and grace in your words.

May you find courage to pause before speaking, strength to remain teachable even when you feel confident, and humility to recognise your daily need for divine guidance.

May your conversations become channels of God’s wisdom, your decisions reflect heavenly understanding, and your words carry the healing power that flows from above.

Go forth as one who speaks with judgment not because of personal expertise but because of divine partnership. Let your life demonstrate that true wisdom begins with acknowledging how much we need the guidance of the One who corrects us gently and leads us faithfully.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

What You’ll Discover in This Reflection

In this Biblical reflection, you have learned that authentic wisdom begins with acknowledging our limitations and seeking divine guidance for both our thoughts and speech. You’ve discovered that even history’s wisest king found it necessary to pray daily for God’s direction, demonstrating that spiritual maturity increases our sense of dependence on divine wisdom rather than decreasing it.

Through historical context, practical applications, and theological insights, you’ve seen how Solomon’s prayer offers a framework for transforming ordinary conversations into opportunities for spiritual growth and witness. The verse challenges our cultural assumption that expertise eliminates the need for outside guidance, instead revealing that true authority flows from humble partnership with God.

As you carry this verse into your week, may it guide your heart toward daily dependence on divine wisdom, your decisions toward seeking God’s guidance before relying on personal understanding, and your witness toward demonstrating the peace that comes from knowing that our adequacy comes not from ourselves but from God who corrects us gently and leads us faithfully into all truth.

Resonating Wake-Up Calls from the Rise & Inspire Archive

Drawing from the Rise & Inspire “Wake-Up Calls” archive at riseandinspire.co.in, here are five inspiring messages that echo the profound themes of Wisdom 7:15—divine guidance, the correction of the wise, humility in receiving God’s gifts, and aligning thoughts and speech with eternal wisdom. Each pairs a heartfelt excerpt with its original article URL for deeper exploration.

1.  Wake-Up Call: Guided by God’s Wisdom and Grace
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“Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am the LORD your God, who teaches you for your own good, who leads you in the way you should go.” — Isaiah 48:17. As you start your day, be comforted by this message. God, your Redeemer, teaches and leads you for your good, rooted in love and wisdom, bringing peace and fulfillment. He walks with you, ensuring you’re on the right path, especially in uncertain times. Trust in His guidance, letting it be your strength when feeling lost or overwhelmed, and align your journey with His teachings for true happiness.

2.  Wisdom vs. Power: Reflecting on Ecclesiastes 7:19 for Spiritual Growth
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“As we rise today, let us remember the enduring power of wisdom. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to be swayed by the influence of power, status, and authority. Yet, Ecclesiastes 7:19 reminds us that wisdom is the greatest strength we can possess. Let us seek this divine wisdom, allowing it to guide our decisions, shape our relationships, and lead us closer to God. May each step we take today be rooted in the wisdom that surpasses all earthly power, for it is in wisdom that we find true strength and purpose. May you be blessed with wisdom today and always. Amen.”

3.  Prayer, Understanding, and Salvation
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“Let my cry come before you, O Lord; give me understanding according to your word. Let my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise.” — Psalms 119:169-170. This prayer expresses a heartfelt plea for wisdom and deliverance, rooted in trust that God is true to His Word. It reminds us that understanding and salvation are gifts we receive from God when we humble ourselves before Him, seeking His divine guidance and correction through Scripture.

4.  How Can Accepting Correction Transform Your Spiritual Journey Today?
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“Dear beloved in Christ, in our contemporary world where criticism is often met with defensiveness and pride masks our need for growth, today’s scripture invites us to examine our hearts. Do we receive correction as a gift from God, or do we reject it as an affront to our ego? The fear of the Lord is not terror, but reverence that opens our hearts to transformation. Let us choose the path of humility over the highway of pride.” – His Excellency, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Selvister Ponnumuthan.

5.  Wake-Up Call: Following God’s Will Through Psalms 143:10
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“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Let your good spirit lead me on a level path” (Psalms 143:10). This verse is a profound call to surrender and seek divine guidance, asking God to teach His will and lead on a righteous path. It invites reflection on trusting God’s Spirit for moral and spiritual direction, not just in challenges but in all aspects of life. The “level path” symbolizes living in harmony with God’s teachings, free from pride and fear, and embracing His plan rooted in love. This wake-up call encourages daily prayer for guidance, humility, and acts of kindness, aligning actions with divine wisdom for personal and communal growth.

Biblical Reflection by JohnbrittoKurusumuthu Rise & Inspire Daily Devotions

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