1 Kings 3:10

He asked for an understanding heart to administer justice to the people, to discern between good and evil. 2 Chronicles tells us that his request also included "wisdom and knowledge." God was pleased with Solomon's request (v.10), above all because he did not ask for completely selfish things, such as long life, riches or the destruction of his enemies (v.11). He asked for wisdom to discern justice, showing a desire to see the people of Israel prosper.

Now, Solomon entered into this in his measure. He did not regard the people as his people, his to govern, his to serve God in, but God's people entrusted to him. This gives seriousness; and, further, it exercises conscience. So he asked for wisdom, since he certainly needed it. If they had been his own people, his own wisdom might have been enough. But they were God's people, so he needed wisdom from God. That is what he asked for — not wealth or long life.

The young king's answer delighted the heart of God. First, he acknowledged His loving-kindness in giving David a son to sit upon his throne. Then he admitted that he was not equal to the heavy responsibilities he now carried... He had no power to guide and direct them rightly in their unique relation to God. "I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in." The spirit of the little child — humble, trusting, and teachable — is fitting in us all.

Solomon asked for wisdom, and "it pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this." We never please Him in what we ask or do, except when we set aside the claims of our own nature... When that is so, the blessed God stands at the top of the mystic ladder. Heaven is then not far off. Then wisdom is what we ask for, as the thing most pleasing to Him. To us, this is Christ, God's wisdom and God's power.

He might have asked for long life or riches, or the life of his enemies; instead he asked for an understanding heart that he might rule the people of God well. Our blessed Lord once said: "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." On this principle Jehovah dealt with Solomon... This seemed to make the blessing of Israel secure. But God went on to say, "If you will walk in My ways, and keep My statutes."... The "if" to Solomon in 1 Kings 3:14 was as fatal as the "if" to Israel in Exodus 19:5. Poor flesh can never be trusted, and Solomon's failure was a disaster.

While he was still at Gibeon, Jehovah appeared to him in a dream and said: "Ask what I shall give you." What grace this was! But it also searched his innermost soul. And this offer was not made only to Solomon. The One who appeared to Solomon and put this gracious question to him later came to earth dressed as a servant, yet He was greater than Solomon in all his glory. He said: "Ask, and it will be given to you" (Matt. 7:7).