“Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?” The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom. So God replied, “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies— I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have! And I will also give you what you did not ask for—riches and fame! No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life! And if you follow me and obey my decrees and my commands as your father, David, did, I will give you a long life.””
1 Kings 3:9-14 NLT
Solomon was a king. Unlike his father, David, he was raised as a prince. He lived an entitled life. Because of this, it would’ve been easy to think that he was spoiled. The scripture certainly paints this picture of his older brothers. Yet, there is something different about him. Here we can see what makes his heart different. Whereas David was reactionary, Solomon was measured. He learned from the mistakes of others and pondered their outcome. Previously we read that he quelled an uprising only because it was necessary. Here we see him ask to be even more measured. He asks God to give him wisdom. More importantly, to do so in order that he may be equipped to lead rightly. God honored that. This wisdom wouldn’t be salvivific for him, but it would make him a great earthly leader. God prefers David’s responsive heart, but he honors Solomon’s measured one. As those in leadership of our families, communities and churches, we too should ask God to give us wisdom. He will honor that.
JOSH McGARY. COM 