The Wisdom of Solomon | More Than Just a Request

When God Gives You a Blank Check

I’m currently working through my yearly chronological reading of Scripture, and I just arrived at 1 Kings 3. I love the narrative that unfolds here.

Picture this: God appears to the newly appointed King Solomon in a dream and says something absolutely breathtaking:

 “At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, ‘Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”

1 Kings 3:5 NIV

Talk about a blank check. If God asked you that today, what would be the first thing to pop into your mind? A better job? Financial freedom? Healing?

What happened next in this narrative truly captivated my heart.

The Power of True Humility

In verse 7, Solomon responds not with a list of demands but with profound humility. He acknowledges his position, saying to God that he is just a “little child” who doesn’t know how to carry out his duties as king.

7 “Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

1 Kings 3:7-9 NIV

He doesn’t focus on his own glory. Instead, he focuses on the responsibility God has given him.

Then, he asks for something that, honestly, you might not expect from a young king inheriting a vast empire. He asks for a discerning heart to govern God’s people and to distinguish between right and wrong (1 Kings 3:9).

My heart soared when I read this. Solomon realized that power without wisdom is dangerous. He asked for discernment to serve others, not to enrich himself.

God’s Response: More Than Enough

Apparently, Solomon’s request caused God’s heart to soar, too.

In verse 10, we are told God was pleased. Because Solomon asked for discernment—and not wealth, long life, or the death of his enemies—God promised him something incredible.

In verse 13, God tells him that He is going to give him what he didn’t ask for: wealth and honor. And, if Solomon continues to walk in God’s ways, a long life as well.

10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11 So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 13 Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. 14 And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.” 15 Then Solomon awoke—and he realized it had been a dream.

1 Kings 3:10-15 NIV

Solomon humbly asked for the tools to serve God’s people better, and God blessed him with everything else as a byproduct of that godly ambition.

What We Can Learn from Solomon

1. Prioritize Wisdom Over Wealth: Solomon understood that true success isn’t measured by what you have in your bank account, but by how well you can navigate life according to God’s will.

2. Acknowledge Your Need for God: Humility is recognizing that we cannot do what God has called us to do on our own strength. When we admit we are like “little children,” we open ourselves up to divine guidance.

3. God Blesses Kingdom–Focused Requests: When our requests align with God’s desire to see justice, righteousness, and His people cared for, God is eager to bless us.

Life Application: What Are You Asking For?

It is easy to get caught up in asking for comfort, ease, or material gain. But 1 Kings 3 challenges us to look deeper.

Audit Your Prayers: Are your prayers focused only on making your life easier, or are they focused on making your life more useful to the Kingdom?

Seek discernment in the Mundane: You don’t need to be a king to need a discerning heart. You need it in your workplace, your parenting, your friendships, and your decision-making.

Trust God with the “Extras”: When you seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, the other things tend to fall into place (Matthew 6:33). Trust that God knows what you need, but prioritize the wisdom to handle it.

Takeaway

When we seek to fulfill God’s purposes with a humble heart, God often blesses us with far more than we could have ever imagined. Don’t just ask for a better life; ask for a wiser heart to steward the life God has already given you.

I’m linking up this month with these AMAZING Blog Hop/Link-Up party hostesses!