…‘Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?’ The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this.

1 Kings 3:9-10
If you had never had the response of Solomon planted in your thoughts, how might you have answered the Lord’s question—“Ask for whatever you want me to give you” (v. 5)—as it came to Solomon? Would you have asked for wisdom? Wealth, long life, celebrity status, and world peace are things that come to mind for the average person. Solomon could have asked for victory in battle, long life, riches…all normal desires for a king. Yet he asked for a discerning heart to govern well and to distinguish between right and wrong. Solomon realized his weakness and inadequacy (he even described himself in verse 7 as a “little child”). So he asked for wisdom.
Solomon’s request pleased the Lord. Yet he was far from perfect (offering sacrifices in the pagan high places rather than in the tabernacle, marrying outside of God’s people, etc.). We do not have to be perfect before the Lord will hear our prayers. Our requests are brought to the Father through the Holy Spirit and presented by Christ Himself who has made us righteous.



Scripture Focus

1 Kings 3:1-15

Insight

The Lord answers prayers according to His perfect will with perfect wisdom. All things work together for the good of His children.

Bible In A Year

  • Jeremiah 27-28
  • Psalm 117
  • 1 Corinthians 8-9

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