1 Kings 3:1-15
If tonight the Lord were to invite us, as He did Solomon, "Ask what you will and I will give it you", what would we answer Him? I am not sure that every one of us would have as our first wish to receive "an understanding heart". Fortune, success, amusements, travel, to own a fine car . . . such would be the wishes of most of the young people of this world. What are ours?
An understanding heart (or, as the margin gives it, a hearing heart), that is a request acceptable to God, and one it is always possible for Him to grant. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally . . . and it shall be given him" (James 1:5). This is not a prayer that can be prayed by someone who is already wise in his own eyes (Proverbs 3:7). But Solomon does not have a high opinion of himself: "I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in" (v. 7). Notice that it is the heart here, not the head, that is to listen and understand. Love for the Lord is the key to true intelligence. Finally, let us think of our perfect Example, who declares through the prophet’s voice, "The LORD God . . . wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned." (Isaiah 50:4).