Solomon’s Request

Solomon’s Request

Q: When God told Solomon he could ask for anything, what did Solomon ask for?

• a. a bigger kingdom
• b. a wise heart to rule the people
• c. peace in the country

In the movie Aladdin, a genie appears and gives Aladdin three wishes. Aladdin wishes to become a prince, and his wish is granted. All does not go well in Aladdin’s new life as a prince, but of course the movie has a happy ending. Aladdin is only a movie, but in the Bible, God told King Solomon he could ask for anything and his request would be granted.

Solomon, David’s son, became king after David. He was a good king who loved God and followed his commands. He also offered burnt offerings to the Lord. God was pleased with Solomon and appeared to him in a dream. He said to Solomon, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!”

There were lots of things King Solomon could have asked for—money, power, more land, a bigger kingdom, or greater fame. But Solomon asked for a wise heart to be able to rule the people well.

God was pleased with Solomon’s answer, so he not only gave him wisdom, but he also promised him riches and fame. Solomon became well known throughout the land for both his wisdom and his riches. He shared some of his wisdom in the book of Proverbs, a practical book that can help guide your life.

For You

The book of Proverbs has 31 chapters. Some people read the whole book of Proverbs each month by reading one chapter a day (Proverbs 1 on the first day of the month, Proverbs 2 on the second day, and so on). Why not try reading it through? You can start now and read a chapter a day or wait and start on the first day of next month. Pick a key verse from each chapter that you are going to apply to your life that day.

Answer: b

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?   1 Kings 3:9

(The Whole Story: 1 Kings 3:1-15)