1 Kings 3:9-12

Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom

9 o Give your servant therefore an understanding mind p to govern your people, that I may q discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?"

10 It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. 11 And God said to him, "Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, 12 behold, r I now do according to your word. Behold, s I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you.

  1. Cross References
    Proverbs 2:6
    For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
    Proverbs 2:9
    Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path.
    James 1:5
    If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
  2. Cross References
    Psalms 72:1 - 2
    Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the royal son!
  3. Cross References
    2 Samuel 14:17
    And your servant thought, 'The word of my lord the king will set me at rest,' for my lord the king is like the angel of God to discern good and evil. The Lord your God be with you!
    Isaiah 7:15
    He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good.
    Hebrews 5:14
    But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
  4. Cross References
    1 John 5:14 - 15
    And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.
  5. Cross References
    1 Kings 4:29 - 31
    And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore.
    1 Kings 5:12
    And the Lord gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him. And there was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty.
    1 Kings 10:23 - 24
    Thus King Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom.
    Ecclesiastes 1:16
    I said in my heart, "I have acquired great wisdom, surpassing all who were over Jerusalem before me, and my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.