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1 Kings 1:9-11 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;
Solomon’s request was not for power, wealth, or vengeance—it was for wisdom. Not wisdom to elevate himself, but wisdom to serve. In a world where kings often sought glory, Solomon sought understanding. And that pleased the Lord.
This moment in Scripture is a radiant example of selfless leadership. Solomon recognized the weight of his calling and the vastness of the people he was entrusted to guide. He didn’t ask for ease or comfort. He asked for the ability to do right by others. That is love in action. That is compassion with purpose.
God honored Solomon’s request because it reflected the very heart of divine leadership: to serve, to discern, to uplift. And today, we are invited into that same posture. Whether we lead families, communities, or simply our own choices, we can ask for wisdom—not to dominate, but to bless.
To have a heart like Solomon is to say, “Lord, help me help others.” It is to seek understanding before judgment, compassion before correction, and love before ambition. And when we ask with that spirit, God not only grants wisdom—He strengthens us to carry it out.
- James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God…”
- Proverbs 3:13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
- Philippians 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
- Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee…what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
We need all those things mentioned in your article indeed.
My first thought was something quite different and that is the need everyone should heed. It is warning signs that God puts before us. Without them we perish for lack of faith, knowledge, and wisdom.
Man has a foolish heart and we easily depart from right thinking. Going along with the crowd is a huge disadvantage.
We see it in mobs destructing things around them and attacking others who don’t align with their cause.as well as foolish behavior where people are pulled into doing things they didn’t plan to do.
God has been giving warnings for our good. Are we yielding or forsaking them. It started with Adam and Eve and then it was Cain, the first person born, who killed his brother over jealousy and anger towards God refusing his offerings.
Wisdom has two sides I think anyways. One being to lead with God’s guidance in life and check the warning signs which leads to self destruction in the end. We need to pray about these matters for our own sake.
The important one is Who Jesus is to you and accepting His gift paid for in His blood so you can be inside His kingdom forever more.
Cora,
That is the absolute truth – yes – we need to accept His gift, paid in full for us.
It is upsetting for me when I see those who truly “don’t care” as evidenced by their outlandish behavior, that behavior will fuel big time consequences.
I pray for those in the dark – that they will see the light.
God Bless you dear one,
and thank you for your comments that always enhance the articles.