Listen

It pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. God said to him, “Because you have asked for this instead of requesting long life, wealth, or victory over your enemies—asking for discernment so as to acquire good judgment— I will now do just what you said. Look, I hereby give you a wise and understanding mind. There has been no one like you before now, nor will there be anyone like you afterward.”

1 Kings 3:10-12

Think

Years ago on a late night talk show, at Christmas time, the host would read letters to Santa that local third graders had written. Some were funny, and some were lengthy with specific requests. The most poignant ones, however, were the letters where the children did not ask Santa for anything for themselves; rather, they asked for a toy for their younger siblings or in some cases, they asked for something for their parents. These letters always garnered pleasing responses from the audience.

In this passage, God rewards Solomon for making an appropriate and non-selfish request. God promises to give Solomon discernment, a gift that develops into good judgment. Judgment will allow Solomon to lead his people with fairness which will result in a land filled with peace and justice. It is a gift that keeps on giving.

Gayle Taylor

Question to Ponder:

What is an unselfish request that you can ask of God?

Pray

Lord, give me a humble spirit.

Help me to be unselfish and to ask for help in areas where I need strengthening to better serve you.

Amen.

Go

To be wise is to be still… and to listen.

Listen for direction in God’s voice.