Asking God: Wisdom

1 Kings 3:7-10: 7 “So now, O Yahweh my God, You have made Your slave king in place of my father David, yet I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. 8 “And Your slave is in the midst of Your people which You have chosen, a numerous people who are too many to be numbered or counted. 9 “So give Your slave a listening heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this glorious people of Yours?” 10 And it was pleasing in the sight of the Lord that Solomon had asked this thing. 

How do you pray? What do you pray for? Do you pray for God to provide for you in some way? Do you pray for peace, comfort, understanding, or deliverance? In what you pray for, do you have God’s best interest in mind while doing so? Well, here in 1 Kings, Solomon had God’s interests in mind when he requested for what he did: wisdom! This passage really offers insight into the character and priorities of Solomon, and has some modern day application that we can take with us today.

We must keep in mind that this passage is coming on the tail end of the death of King David. Israel would have been left on its heels. Solomon and the royal family would have been left on their heels. So now, the nation looks to a new king. The passage begins with Solomon (the new king) acknowledging his youth. He says that he is a “little child”. So first, Solomon tells God that he needs help, then he tells God what he needs!

Solomon then asks for wisdom of discernment from God! Instead of asking for wealth, long life, or deliverance from future oppressors, Solomon asks for a heart to be better capable of judgment and leadership. God’s response to this shows that He approved of Solomon’s request. God not only granted what Solomon asked for, but much more as well!

Today, I think we need to follow Solomon’s example here. Let us first be vulnerable, able to realize who we are, what we need, and why we need it! Then, we should ask God for the things we need. We can use these to do His will for His glory! As we go in prayer to God day after day, requesting things of Him, let us seek out our own wisdom. We know He can provide it, and through it, we should grow in the best way possible.

Solomon saw who he was, and what he needed, and I pray we do the same today! Solomon knew the role he was taking on as king of Israel, so he asked for something to help with that. When we become Christians, we take on the responsibility of being a spiritual pillar for those around us. When we become Christians, we take on a role of making ourselves Holy (1 Peter 1:16). We need to see who we are, what we need, and pray for it! Once we have prayed for what we need, we should strive to use this ability for the glory of God. We must work toward the furthering of His kingdom.

May we continually embrace humility, wisdom, and God’s will in our lives. May God bless us in these endeavors.

Written by: Mason MacDonald

Bibliography:

Legacy Standard Bible (Three Sixteen Publishing, 2022)