If you could have any wish granted to you, what would you wish for? Our initial inclination may be to ask for riches and honor along with a long and healthy life. Let’s see how King Solomon responded to that question shortly after he became King,

In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night; and God said, “Ask what you wish Me to give you.” (1 Kings 3:5)

Take a moment and ask yourself, “How would I respond to that question?”

Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant 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. Your servant is in the midst of Your people which You have chosen, a great people who are too many to be numbered or counted. So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”  (1 Kings 3:7-9)

Solomon demonstrated humility as he asked God for wisdom in knowing how to lead the nation. Wisdom is the application of experience, knowledge, and good judgment to a situation. Wisdom may be considered as that quality that keeps you from getting into situations where you need it. We seem to be drowning in a sea of information, while starving for wisdom. Solomon revealed the source of wisdom,

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10)

Solomon did not ask for his own self-aggrandizement, but rather for the welfare of his country. God’s response to Solomon revealed that He was pleased with his request,

It was pleasing in the sight of the Lord that Solomon had asked this thing. God said to him, “Because you have asked this thing and have not asked for yourself long life, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have you asked for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself discernment to understand justice,  behold, I have done according to your words. Behold, I have given you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has been no one like you before you, nor shall one like you arise after you. I have also given you what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that there will not be any among the kings like you all your days. If you walk in My ways, keeping My statutes and commandments, as your father David walked, then I will prolong your days.”  (1 Kings 3:10-14)

God not only granted Solomon’s request, but He gave Solomon what he did not ask for – riches and honor. What are you asking of God? E. Stanley Jones reminds us, “Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance but it is believing in a God who hears, answers, and even exceeds our requests.” God delights in giving good gifts to His children.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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