Solomon’s Wise Request: Choosing Wisdom Over Wealth (1 Kings 3:1-15)
When Solomon became king of Israel, he had a big job ahead of him. He was young and new to leadership, and the nation was large and full of people depending on him. In the early days of his reign, Solomon had a very special experience that would shape the rest of his life—it all started with a dream from God.
Solomon Begins His Reign
As king, Solomon started to build important relationships with other nations. One of his first actions was marrying the daughter of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, to form an alliance. He also showed his love for God by offering sacrifices at places of worship, especially at Gibeon, which was one of the main places people went to worship before the temple was built.
God Speaks to Solomon in a Dream
One night while Solomon was at Gibeon, he had a dream. In the dream, God appeared to him and said something amazing: “Ask for whatever you want, and I will give it to you.”
Imagine being given that offer! Solomon could have asked for money, power, long life, or anything else he wanted. But what he asked for might surprise you.
Solomon Asks for Wisdom
In his dream, Solomon responded with humility. He remembered how kind God had been to his father, David, and admitted that he felt like a child trying to lead a great nation. He didn’t feel ready.
So, Solomon asked for something special: a heart that could understand right from wrong. He wanted to be wise so he could lead the people fairly and make good decisions.
God Rewards Solomon’s Choice
God was very pleased with Solomon’s request. He said that because Solomon had not asked for riches, power, or a long life, He would not only give Solomon the wisdom he asked for—but also give him wealth, honor, and success like no other king.
God’s answer showed that when we put others first and ask for the right things, He often blesses us even more than we expect.
Solomon Returns to Worship
When Solomon woke up, he knew the dream had been from God. He returned to Jerusalem, stood before the special chest of God’s covenant (called the Ark), and offered more sacrifices. Then he held a great feast for his officials. It was a joyful way to begin his rule—with thankfulness and celebration.
What Can We Learn?
Solomon had the chance to ask for anything, and he chose wisdom—not for himself, but to better serve others. His choice shows us something important: when we ask God for help with a humble heart, He listens.
We all face moments when we don’t know what to do—at school, at work, in our families. In those moments, we can follow Solomon’s example and ask God for wisdom to do what’s right.
If God asked you, “What do you want me to give you?”—what would your answer be?
1 Kings 3:1-15 (WEB)
3:1 Solomon made a marriage alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt. He took Pharaoh’s daughter and brought her into David’s city until he had finished building his own house, the LORD’s house, and the wall around Jerusalem. 2 However, the people sacrificed in the high places, because there was not yet a house built for the LORD’s name. 3 Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father, except that he sacrificed and burned incense in the high places. 4 The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place. Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 5 In Gibeon, the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask for what I should give you.”6 Solomon said, “You have shown to your servant David my father great loving kindness, because he walked before you in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with you. You have kept for him this great loving kindness, that you have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is today. 7 Now, LORD my God, you have made your servant king instead of David my father. I am just a little child. I don’t know how to go out or come in. 8 Your servant is among your people which you have chosen, a great people, that can’t be numbered or counted for multitude. 9 Give your servant therefore an understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this great people of yours?”10 This request pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. 11 God said to him, “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked for yourself long life, nor have you asked for riches for yourself, nor have you asked for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, 12 behold, I have done according to your word. Behold, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has been no one like you before you, and after you none will arise like you. 13 I have also given you that which you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that there will not be any among the kings like you for all your days. 14 If you will walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”15 Solomon awoke; and behold, it was a dream. Then he came to Jerusalem and stood before the ark of the LORD’s covenant, and offered up burnt offerings, offered peace offerings, and made a feast for all his servants.