Solomon Asks for Wisdom

Free Bible Version (FBV)

1Ki 3:5–15

5 The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at Gibeon. God said to him, “Ask what you want me to give you.”
6 Solomon replied, “You showed your servant David, my father, great trustworthy love because he lived his life before you with faithfulness, doing what was right and committed to principle. You have continued to show this great trustworthy love by giving him a son to sit on his throne to this day.
7 Now, Lord God, you have made me king in place of my father David. But I am like an inexperienced young boy who doesn't know what to do.
8 I, your servant, am here in among your chosen people, a great people that are so many they cannot be counted.
9 So please give me a mind that's receptive so I can rule your people well, understanding the difference between right and wrong, for who can rule this difficult people of yours?”
10 The Lord considered that what Solomon asked for was good.
11 So God told him, “Because you asked for this, and you didn't ask for a long life, or wealth, or the death of your enemies, but instead you asked for understanding to know what is right,
12 I am giving you what you asked for. I am giving you a mind that is wise, with an understanding of what is right, more than anyone else before you or after you.
13 I am also giving you what you did not ask for, wealth and status—so much so that no king will compare to you for the whole of your life.
14 And if you follow my ways by keeping my laws and my commands, as your father David did, I will give you a long life.”
15 Then Solomon woke up and realized he'd had a dream. He went back to Jerusalem, and stood in front of the Ark of the Lord's Agreement and he presented burnt offerings and friendship offerings, and he held a feast for all his officials.

2Ch 1:7–12

7 That night God appeared to Solomon and told him, “Ask what you want me to give you.”
8 Solomon responded to God, “You showed trustworthy love without limit to my father David, and you have made me king in his place.
9 Lord God, please keep the promise you made to my father David. You have made me king over a nation that has as many people as the dust of the earth.
10 Please give me wisdom and knowledge to lead this people—for who can rule with justice this great people of yours?”
11 God told Solomon: “Because this is what you really wanted, and you didn't ask for wealth, possessions, or honor, or the death of those who hate you, or for a long life, but instead you asked for wisdom and knowledge so you can rule with justice my people that I have made you king over;
12 wisdom and knowledge is given to you. I will give you wealth, possessions, and honor as well, much more than any king who came before you has had, or who comes after you will ever have.”