1 Kings 3 Devotional

Wisdom Asked and Given

“Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?””1 Kings 3:9 (BSB)

At Gibeon the LORD appears to Solomon in a dream with an astonishing offer: ask for whatever you want (3:5). Solomon's answer admits what kings rarely admit. He feels like a small child who does not know how to lead, and he asks for an understanding heart to govern God's people and tell good from evil (3:7-9).

The request pleases the Lord (3:10). God grants the wisdom and then adds riches and honor that Solomon never asked for (3:13). The chapter quickly shows the gift at work. Two women claim one baby, there are no witnesses, and Solomon's ruling brings the truth into the open. All Israel sees that the wisdom of God is in him (3:28). That wisdom was never Solomon's achievement. It was given. James says the same God still gives wisdom generously to anyone who asks, without scolding them for asking (James 1:5). Admitting that you do not know what to do is not a failure of faith. It is often where real prayer begins.

To think about: What decision in front of you right now could you bring to God honestly, asking him for wisdom you do not have?