Story 36 of 100 · Based on 1 Kings 3:5-15
Solomon Asks for a Wise Heart
Solomon was the king of Israel, the son of David. One night, while he slept, God appeared to him in a dream.
—Ask for whatever you want me to give you —God said.
Solomon answered:
—Lord, you were very good to my father David, and now you have made me king in his place. But I am only a boy, and I do not know how to rule. Give your servant a listening heart to govern your people and to tell right from wrong.
God was pleased with Solomon's request.
—Because you have asked for this —he said—, and have not asked for a long life, or riches, or the lives of your enemies, but for understanding to know how to govern, I will grant what you ask. I give you a wise and understanding heart. And I also give you what you did not ask for: riches and honor.
Solomon woke up. And he saw that it was a dream. Then he went to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord and offered sacrifices.
Solomon did not ask God for things for himself. He asked for a wise heart. And God gave it to him.
Let's talk: If God said to you, "Ask for whatever you want," what would you ask for?
You can ask God for a good and wise heart. Goodnight.