DEVOTIONAL READING
1 Kings 3
Read the full chapter: 1 Kings 3:1 to 28
Asking God for wisdom is one of the simplest prayers we can pray, yet it can change the direction of our whole lives. Have you ever faced a decision and thought, “Lord, I don’t know what to do”? You are not alone. King Solomon felt the same way, and his story in 1 Kings 3 shows us what to do with that feeling.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad.”
1 Kings 3:9 (KJV)
God Meets Us Where We Are
Solomon was young and new to the throne. He loved the Lord, but he wasn’t perfect. He still offered sacrifices at the high places, which were not the right places to worship. Even so, he gave to God generously. At Gibeon, he offered a thousand burnt offerings.
That night, God appeared to him in a dream and said, “Ask what I shall give thee.”
Think about that. God didn’t wait for Solomon to get everything right before He showed up. He saw a heart that wanted Him.
Back then, people usually came to God through a priest. Today, because of Jesus, we can come to Him anytime. That same invitation is open to you right now, and asking God for wisdom is a beautiful place to start.
Asking God for Wisdom Starts with a Humble Heart
Solomon could have asked for anything. Riches. A long life. Victory over his enemies.
Instead, he started by thanking God for His faithfulness to his father David. Then he said something honest: “I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.”
In other words,
“Lord, I can’t do this on my own.”
So he asked for an understanding heart. He wanted to lead God’s people well and to know right from wrong. God was pleased with that request. He gave Solomon wisdom, and then He added riches and honor too, things Solomon never asked for.
God Cares About What You Ask
God asked Solomon what he wanted. He didn’t hand him a list or force His will on him. He invited him to speak. That tells us something about God’s heart. He isn’t distant or uninterested. He wants to hear from us, and He cares about our hopes, our dreams, and the things we carry quietly.
But notice what God’s question revealed. It showed what was really in Solomon’s heart. He could have asked for anything, and he chose what would help him serve God’s people well. His desire lined up with what God cared about, and that is why God was pleased.
The same can be true for us. When we spend time with God, our desires slowly begin to change. We start wanting what He wants. Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” This doesn’t mean God gives us everything we ask for. It means that as we draw close to Him, He shapes our hearts, and then He delights to answer.
Jesus taught this too: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). Solomon asked for wisdom to do what God had called him to do, and God added riches and honor on top of it. When we put God first, we can trust Him with everything else.
Asking God for Wisdom in the Hard Moments
Not long after, two women came to Solomon with a heartbreaking problem. Both had baby boys. One baby died in the night, and both women claimed the living child was theirs. There were no witnesses.
How do you solve something like that?
Solomon called for a sword and ordered the baby divided in two. Right away, the real mother cried out. She would rather give her son away than see him die. In that moment, Solomon knew who she was, and the child went home with his mother.
Without God’s wisdom, Solomon could have gotten it wrong. The same is true for us. We can’t see everything. We don’t know what is in people’s hearts or how things will turn out. But God does, and He is ready to guide us when we ask.
Asking God for Wisdom Every Day
Start with thanks. Before you ask God for what you need, thank Him for one way He has been faithful to you.
Pray before you act. When a decision comes up at work or at home, pause and pray first.
Be honest at home. In your marriage and parenting, it’s okay to say, “Lord, I don’t know. Please show me.”
Trust Him in the waiting. When you’re unsure, remember that God finishes what He starts (Philippians 1:6).
Reflect
What decision are you trying to figure out on your own instead of asking God for wisdom?
If God asked you, “What should I give you?” what would you say?
Where do you need to tell God, “I can’t do this without You”?
Let’s Pray
Lord, thank You for being faithful to me, even when I didn’t notice. I don’t have all the answers, and I need You. Please give me an understanding heart. Help me know right from wrong, and lead me in every choice I make. I trust You with what I can’t see. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
SCRIPTURE TO REMEMBER
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
James 1:5 (KJV)
God will never scold you for asking. He loves to give wisdom to His children.
Solomon didn’t have it all together, and neither do we. But he knew where to go for help. So bring your questions to God today. Keep asking God for wisdom, and trust Him to lead you one step at a time.
For more faith-based Bible teachings and devotionals, visit walkingwiththelord.net, and for marriage and family encouragement, visit blissfullywedded.com.
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