Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom – 1 Kings 3

By Dave Jenkins | July 29, 2025

In 1 Kings 3, Solomon—young, untested, and newly enthroned—asks God for wisdom rather than riches, power, or victory. His prayer reflects a heart that seeks to honor the Lord, and God responds by granting him both discernment and blessing. In this devotion, we explore Solomon’s request, God’s generous answer, and the justice that followed—pointing us forward to the wisdom found in Christ.

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Scripture Reading – 1 Kings 3:1–28

 Exposition & Interpretation

Verses 1–4 – Worship at Gibeon

• Solomon makes a political alliance with Egypt and offers sacrifices at the high place in Gibeon.
• Though worship was still occurring at high places before the temple was built (v. 2), the narrative hints at a mixed start—spiritual sincerity and political compromise.

Verses 5–15 – God Appears to Solomon

• God appears to Solomon in a dream and offers him anything he desires.
• Solomon humbly acknowledges his youth and inexperience and asks for an “understanding mind” (v. 9).
• God is pleased and grants him not only wisdom but also riches and honor—because his request was God-centered, not self-centered.

Verses 16–28 – A Test of Wisdom

• Two women come with a case about a baby—both claiming to be the mother.
• Solomon’s wise test (ordering the child to be divided) reveals the true mother by her love.
• The people of Israel recognize the hand of God in Solomon’s discernment (v. 28).

Key Themes

• True Wisdom Begins with Humility
• God Is Pleased with Heart-Oriented Requests
• Wisdom Is Proven in Justice
• God Honors Right Priorities (cf. Matthew 6:33)

Biblical Theology Connection

• Proverbs 9:10 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”
• James 1:5 – God gives wisdom generously to those who ask in faith.
• Matthew 6:33 – Seek first the kingdom, and all else will follow.
• Luke 2:40, 52 – Jesus, the greater Solomon, also grew in wisdom and favor.
• Colossians 2:3 – Christ is the fullness of wisdom—Solomon points us to Him.

Church History Insight

• Augustine: “The wisdom of God is not found in the brilliance of the mind, but in the humility of the soul.”
• John Calvin: “There is no greater wisdom than dependence upon God.”
• Matthew Henry: Praised Solomon’s early humility and noted how spiritual decline often follows when kings grow self-reliant.

Christ-Centered Application

• Solomon’s wisdom was a gift—but Christ is Wisdom incarnate (1 Cor. 1:24).
• Solomon’s throne was temporary, but Jesus reigns eternally and always judges justly.
• Like Solomon, we are inadequate—but God supplies what we lack when we ask with faith.

Takeaways for Daily Life

• Private: Ask God for wisdom in prayer—not just information, but transformation.
• Home: Teach your family that wisdom is rooted in reverence for God, not mere knowledge.
• Church: Encourage your leaders to seek divine guidance over human strategy.
• Work: Practice discernment and integrity, even in tough calls.
• Culture: Wisdom isn’t measured by success but by righteousness. Stand on truth.

For Leaders, Teachers, and Counselors

• Use this chapter to discuss decision-making, leadership under pressure, and prayerful dependence on God.
• Highlight that wisdom is relational—it flows from intimacy with God, not mere intellect.
• Great for counseling those facing life transitions or important decisions.

Scripture Memory Verse

1 Kings 3:9 – “Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil…”

Reformed Reflection and Gospel Response

• Scripture: Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 2; Colossians 2:3
• Reformed Insight: True wisdom is covenantal—it flows from knowing the Lord and walking in His ways.
• To Unbelievers: Earthly knowledge cannot save you. You need the wisdom that leads to Christ.
• To Believers: Don’t lean on your own understanding—trust the Lord, and ask Him for what you lack.

Summary Box

• Main Theme: Solomon’s request for wisdom reveals a heart dependent on God and a model for leadership.
• Key Doctrine: Wisdom comes from the Lord and is given to those who fear Him.
• Main Takeaway: God honors those who seek Him humbly—and gives generously to those who ask.

Conclusion

Thanks for joining me today on Reading the Bible Daily with Dave.

1 Kings 3 shows us what true greatness looks like—not in riches or power, but in prayerful dependence on the Lord. Let’s seek that kind of wisdom daily—and trust our lives to the only wise God, who gives generously and without reproach.

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https://servantsofgrace.org/reading-the-bible-daily-with-dave/

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