Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom
Offered anything he wanted, young King Solomon asked only for wisdom to govern well - and God gave him that, and everything else besides.
Early in his reign, the LORD appeared to young King Solomon in a dream at Gibeon and invited him to ask for whatever he wished. Rather than requesting long life, riches, or victory over his enemies, Solomon asked for 'an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad' - humbly recognizing his own inexperience before the weight of ruling God's people. God was so pleased with this request that he granted Solomon wisdom beyond any king before or after him, and added riches and honor besides, since Solomon had not asked for them. The prayer stands as a model of seeking what truly matters over what merely glitters.
Details
- Category
- Petition
- Prayed by
- Solomon
Key Chapters
Key Passages
Solomon Asks for an Understanding Heart
1 Kings 3:5-15
Given the chance to ask God for anything, Solomon requests wisdom to govern well rather than wealth or long life - and receives both wisdom and the riches he did not ask for.
5n Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.
Did You Know?
Offered anything he wanted, Solomon asked for wisdom, not riches or long life.
God was so pleased he gave Solomon wealth and honor as well.
The request came in a dream at Gibeon early in his reign.
It led to his famous judgment between the two mothers.