Solomon’s Request for Wisdom

Open Your Bible

2 Chronicles 1:1-17, 2 Chronicles 2:1-18, John 15:4-7

My dad is a pastor whose name a lot of people know. 

Not just my church growing up but countless homeschool conferences, Baptist churches, and miscellaneous people on the internet know his name. One of the main things my dad preached about back in the day was how to raise godly children. So, when I stand before some people, they don’t see me—they see my dad. To some of them, I am not a fully formed person with my own relationship with God and day-to-day priorities; I am a walking billboard for all their hopes of raising perfect children. 

No pressure, right? 

But my dad is “just” a pastor and itinerate preacher. 

What if he was—I don’t know—the king of Israel? 

When Solomon took the throne, he had big shoes to fill. Everyone looked to him to rule as well as his father had. Asaph wrote of David, “He shepherded them with a pure heart and guided them with his skillful hands” (Psalm 78:72). 

Jesus was born ten centuries after David and was known as the Son of David. No pressure, right? 

Shortly after Solomon became king, the Lord told him to ask for anything. Anything at all. 

He did not ask for his name to overtake David’s so much that the coming Messiah and Savior of the world would be called “Son of Solomon.” He didn’t ask for a permanent place outside his father’s shadow. He didn’t ask for fame, riches, or glory. 

Instead, he acknowledged that David was a great ruler because of God’s kindness. He asked that God bring about all the things he promised David under his own rule. He confirmed that God was already fulfilling his promise to Abraham by making the Israelites as numerous as the dust of the earth. And he prayed for wisdom to continue to shepherd God’s people well (2Chronicles 1:8–10). 

Solomon understood that the throne was bigger than his name or even David’s name: it represented the name above all names. Is it possible he understood that no matter how far his father’s shadow was cast, it was still minuscule compared to the shadow cast by an almighty God? 

David had a heart for many things—one of which was to build a temple for this almighty God. He died without ever seeing this dream realized. When Solomon took up the mantle, though, he wasn’t building the temple for David’s glory, or to live up to David before him, or even to revel in having accomplished something that his father never did. 

He was building the temple because he understood that the legacy he was walking in was so much bigger than King David’s. 

And whether people see you coming first or your parents or your older siblings, know that even if their sight is limited, yours need not be. Ask for wisdom to see beyond the temporal, to the eternal legacy you’re a part of. It’s so much more.

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54 thoughts on "Solomon’s Request for Wisdom"

  1. Stacy Urbanowicz says:

    @Jasmine Holmes – I had never considered Solomon’s perspective in this way. Thank you for that.

  2. Allison Jones says:

    @Mckayla Reese, my teenage boys are always so thankful for the things that I do for them. That means more to me than any salary I could get

  3. Mckayla Reese says:

    As a stay at home mom, I needed this. It’s so easy to be unsatisfied with the mundane and thankless tasks of being a mom. But our work is eternal and what we do now with our kids and for our kids lasts for generations to come

  4. Vicki Sherfy says:

    I never comment when reading what others have written, but I want you all to know how much it means to be a part of a group of amazing women, who like myself, only want to draw closer to God. I thank you for your inspiration.

  5. Tiffany Farrar says:

    I sent you a message on Facebook.

  6. Tiffany Farrar says:

    I just sent you a message. I can’t send you a friend request. Tiffany Lynn Farrar

  7. Mercy says:

    Happy Saturday dear she’s❤️
    I hope you all are doing well by God’s grace. The Lord is kind, and yet in His kindness, I found myself terrified and cornered. A few days ago, we had the same verse that urged our willingness to be the living sacrifice, it came back today. And I told God I was afraid to be killed, I was afraid to be slaughtered, and I ran and hid and cried. And God said, in His mysterious tone and tender way, “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it” …and Jesus said, “Anyone who leaves his home behind and chooses Me over their family, mom, dad, children, house, car, all kinds of possessions… for the gospel sake, it will come back IN THIS LIFETIME- along with PERSECUTIONS” (Matthew 19:29). As I am on my way to be “slaughtered”, I will look past the pain though I don’t know how to, courage and boldness surely is necessary to do the work (1Chronicles 28:20), and I must keep my eyes fixed to the truth that I will get my life back… somehow someway, by His mercy and promise.

    @MARGARET W: praying for Angel and her situation. Praying for you as you are the light to her in a time like this.
    @KERRY ROWLEY: for your brother in law’s family and everyone connected with them in this difficult time. I am so sorry. My condolences.
    @Kimberly Z: safe flight back for you as you left Mexico. Praise God for refreshment.
    @ALL SHE’s: for God’s grace and power to touch and transform you and your families wherever you are, whatever you might face, may your lives be the testimonies of God’s deliverance, mercy and undeniable power. For we know His Name, He will set us on high, for we love Him, He will deliver us/our families (Psalm 91:14).
    @Searching: ❤️❤️❤️

    Be blessed dear sisters. Hugs and blessings to you all my beautiful she’s!

  8. Nads says:

    Oops!! Jasmine “L” Holmes

  9. Nads says:

    @ JASMINE C HOLMES…. WHAT a beautifully written meditation
    .. thank you!!

  10. Shelley Lambert says:

    Oh my word, Lisa. You have just confirmed a stirring I have in heart heart my daughter is not following the lord and of course her boyfriend and two roommates are not. I have been praying for all four of them to be saved. I had just commented to a friend the other day wouldn’t it be something if the lord saved all four of them and what an impact that would be for his kingdom.

  11. Tami C says:

    Lord let me seek a relationship with you above all else. Bring me closer and deeper Lord. Keep me humble and forgive me Lord for falling short. Remove any beaches in me that do not bear fruit but please be gentle:) I am willing Lord. Thank you for bringing me as far as you have. For redeeming my past. For calling me home. I’m not where I want to be but I’m not where I was praise God. Amen

  12. Kylee says:

    Hi everyone! I just started reading your letters and they are amazing, God bless you all.

  13. Mercy says:

    Reading today’s passages, I realized that good leadership requires godliness, a pure and generous heart, a wise and sound mind. The reserve funds of many countries are stored for times of calamity, for helping other countries in times of war, fixing roads/infrastructure, building schools and hospitals but probably none set apart for maintenance of churches/ the House of God. What a contrast. The amount of sacrifice in terms of construction materials, gold/silver on top, countless hours of high skilled builders, developers and architects and craftsmanship that were planned to put in the House of God in Solomon’s time were very serious, and they could not do this without genuine love for the Lord. It saddens me that the very masterpiece was destroyed in Jerusalem. BUT GOD…He built His temple in each of us (Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 1 Corinthians 6:19). May we adorn ourselves, with the sacrifice of our best like what David and Solomon did (my utmost for his highest)(Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight, 1 Peter 3:3-4). May we be the temple that shines the glory of God night and day.

    PRAYING…
    @Searching: I love you. Praying over you dear precious sister and your family. Thank you for your faithfulness in prayers.
    @Mari: for your son’s heartache from ending relationship, for God’s strength/protection over you for future court date.
    @Sarah D: for your upcoming date and God’s hand to lead and to bless you both.
    @Taylor: full recovery and grace for new work position.
    @Sharon Jones: for wise assignment of leadership at your work place.
    @Traci: wonderful wisdom you shared on humility.

    Happy Friday dear she’s. I pray you all have a wonderful weekend with your loved ones.

  14. Jennifer Anapol says:

    I love that I am part of a bigger legacy than my mind can comprehend. I am being woven into God’s plan and design. I pray I would trust his leading, instead of getting worried about the details.

  15. Carly S says:

    Happy Friday everyone! I don’t post much, but I love reading through everyone’s comments and praying through each of the requests. I hope you all have a great weekend!

  16. Hissparrow says:

    The death of King David was mentioned in 1 Chronicles 29:26-30. Such a blessed legacy he left his son Solomon.

  17. Sarah D. says:

    Good afternoon ladies! I took off work today to get some car stuff done and also just to have a rest day. Haven’t heard back yet about the other job position I applied for, but I am praying God’s will to be done and staying hopeful. I also am going on a second date on Sunday with the same guy I’ve been getting to know more! We talked via video again yesterday and it was really great, he is very easy to talk to. I am so interested to hear more of his story of how he became a Christian, since he grew up in a non-Christian country. His testimony sounds really awesome from what I’ve heard so far, and he seems very rooted in Christ. I’m excited! Praying for you all.
    @Taylor, praying the transition gets easier as time goes on and that you have a restful weekend.
    @Kimberly Z, praying for safe travels back and that the seasonal depression wouldn’t hit hard…hopefully spring will brighten your spirit!

  18. Dorothy says:

    I can relate to Jasmine, my father was well known in the Greater Kansas City Disciples of Christ Community. After my divorce I took my maiden name back and now when I tell people in that Community my full name they say “Are you George’s daughter?” To which I reply yes.
    The Scripture that really caught my eye was “But who can really build Him a worthy home? Not even the highest heavens can contain Him! So who am I to consider building a Temple for Him, except as a place to burn sacrifices to Him?” (2 Chronicles 2:6). When we think about it Our Lord God is to ALMIGHTY AND GRAND to be contained.
    Be blessed and worship God wherever and whenever you can sisters.

  19. Sharon, Jersey Girl says:

    Every time I read this passage I am amazed at Solomon’s response to God. He first reflects on the kindness that was shown to his father David and on God’s decision in placing him on the throne after David. Also he recognized that this “great people” belonged to God and not to himself, he was just the “steward” over them. And then, he humbly asks for wisdom and knowledge so that he could lead his people well. Out of every thing and anything he could ask for, he asked for that. Wow! Such humility. He already was wise, although he didn’t know it, in asking for wisdom instead of riches and honor. He knew in and of himself he could not do this great task… Oh that I would know to ask for wisdom instead of trying to do things on my own. In every circumstance and situation I need the Lord to guide me and teach me. In and of myself, I can do nothing, it is only when we remain in Christ and Him in us are we able to accomplish anything. John 15:5

    A Blessed Friday to all my SRT sisters! Have a great weekend – may each of us walk in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit as we go our ways.

  20. Kimberly Z says:

    7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. – John 15:7. What a great reminder! Love your comment @Rhonda J. About how can’t do it on our own but must seek his will. I struggle with that but work endlessly every day to do it. It’s my last fully say in Mexico and it has been so fun but I am still
    So sad to go home to the snow. Seasonal depression is real for me so I’m hoping the sun comes out! Praying for all you ladies.

  21. Kimberly Z says:

    7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. – John 15:7. What a great reminder! Love your comment @Rhonda J. About how can’t do it on our own but must seek his will. I struggle with that but work endlessly every day to do it. It’s my last fully say in Mexico and it has been so fun but I am still

  22. Molly R says:

    I wrote in my Bible next to 2 Chronicles 1:10 “A prayer as a Mama as well. My ‘people’ may might not be as plentiful as the stars, but they are Yours (God’s)!”
    We are all called and set apart for certain work. May I begin each day with a renewed desire for knowledge and wisdom to do it to the glory of God!

    PS: I just “friended” miss Rhonda J and Michelle Patire on Facebook and didn’t realize how nice it was to put a face to some of these names. Truly warmed my heart! If anyone would like to “friend” me, I am Molly Rohrer on Facebook (profile picture is a painting of me that my husband did), and Instagram I am mollyerohrer. Have a great Friday as you prepare for the weekend, and hopefully some rest!

  23. Cheryl Blow says:

    It’s so hard to say what should have been prayed for by Solomon. I believe that God allowed us to not only see their success but also their failure so that we can learn from them. We are all going to fail but the point is to get back up and keep going on our journey with God. Repent, and keep following Him. I think wisdom and knowledge was a great choice. Much better than the newest chariot!

  24. Michelle Patire says:

    @Lisa Chapek- what a word!! I just read your comment posted today. May it be so in Jesus’s name!

  25. Michelle Patire says:

    @TRACI GENDRON- I relate so much to what you’re sharing on humility. This is something I have been really noticing the Lord trying to teach me. I was just telling a believer friend that this is probably my biggest struggle – pride. I pray with you.

  26. Sue Dalos says:

    @ Lisa Chapek. Thank you for sharing the Lord’s encouragement to pray bigger. May we all have the wisdom to listen to God’s encouragement for our lives and for the wisdom we need in our prayers.
    ❤️

  27. Cee Gee says:

    THANK YOU, JASMINE HOLMES, for this beautiful, encouraging, and thoughtful devo!

    The study notes provided by Logos on the Scripture links reminds us that wisdom begins with the fear of Yahweh and that some aspects of wisdom are: knowledge, understanding, and prudence. Lots more good info there!

    Have a blessed, restful, and restorative weekend, sisters!

  28. Traci Gendron says:

    And whether people see you coming first or your parents or your older siblings, know that even if their sight is limited, yours need not be. Ask for wisdom to see beyond the temporal, to the eternal legacy you’re a part of. It’s so much more.

    I’m married to a man of “position”. I have felt like Jasmine. People can show their true colors at times, but I think they just don’t know any better. They don’t have Jesus. He gives me the strength to endure those encounters. To know that He loves me more than anyone can.

    I’m doing a study on humility and it felt like it complimented today’s readings. This is just a part of it.

    “There is no respect for others without humility in one’s self.” — Henri-Frederic Amiel.

    Society says my sole focus in life should be on me. My happiness. My comfort. My wants. My dreams. My desires.

    We’re told to promote ourselves, polish our reputation, and share what’s great about us with the rest of the world.

    And if we’re being honest, we’ve all followed this cultural norm in one way or another. Maybe you work on that perfect selfie, taking 347 shots before getting it right. Or maybe you’re quick to spout wisdom on any and all topics, unaware that you may have something to learn. You might even live with an unhealthy level of expectation, feeling that you deserve the best because of who you are or what you’ve done.

    The reason I can give such specific examples, by the way, is because I’ve struggled with this too. I’m right there with you.

    Soloman had humility. I seek to be humble.

    1. Erica Chiarelli says:

      Amen!! Thats good; thanks for sharing!!

  29. Mari says:

    Good morning and happy Friday BEAUTIFUL She’s It’s another rainy, stormy, and cold day here in sunny California with expected rain for the next five days. I guess since the groundhog saw its shadow, we truly are having six more weeks of winter. THANK YOU for praying for my son. He made a wise, yet painful decision about a relationship. He chose Jesus. My mother’s heart couldn’t be more proud of him. And though he will experience a heartache for a while, he knows he chose right. Meanwhile, as a mother, I will continue to pray for this beautiful young lady. Interestingly, after reading today’s devotion, I’ve been praying for wisdom. When I would have conversations with my son and listening to him, I was praying for wisdom that God will give me the right words to say to him and I know sometimes they were painful to hear. I’m so grateful for all of you here at SRT. This is a beautiful community and I’m grateful for all of you.

  30. Stephanie Scott says:

    Thank you Jasmine! My 23 yr old daughter and I have had conversations based on this study, about legacy, our Christian faith geneology. Your words are a wonderful balance for the conversations we’ve had and where we go from here. Praise God for being such a personal Savior.

  31. Rebecca W says:

    Oh that we could unify our nation (and all nations!) around true worship of almighty God and King! But that would be heaven, right? Help me Jesus to humble myself before You. My bible commentary states, We must constantly commit ourselves to obeying God. We are never secure in what others have done before us. Believers in each generation must dedicate themselves to the task and caring out God’s will in their own lives as well as in society. May it be so!
    @Lisa Chapek and Searching, and all others-thank you for lifting prayers for our children and grandchildren who have drifted or lost their way!
    @Sharon Jones and Taylor- prayers for your workplace transitions, that you would feel peace and trust with all the changes taking place.
    @ Rhonda- Enjoy your time with your dad and sorry our weather won’t be more accommodating! I was near Ft Meyers for two weeks and it was sunny and warm every single day! But you know that! Lol And just fyi, my little grandson and his daddy are big UK fans, but my hubby graduated from U of L so I cheer for both! I am on FB as Becky Wilkinson. I think I friended you.

  32. Rhonda J. says:

    I love that Solomon asked for wisdom to do all that the Lord wanted from him to lead the people! Can you imagine–being asked what you want from the almighty? Well- He still asks us to tell him our hearts desires! I pray for wisdom as well, like our great example Solomon to do what God wants from his faithful servant. We can’t do it on our own will, producing works for him, but if we seek him first- all will be given, and we WANT to do things for God! We produce good fruits! Praise God!

    This is one of my memory verses!

    Matthew 7: 7-9

    Ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, Knock and the door will be open!For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?”

  33. Jeanie Mclellan says:

    Amen

  34. Caroline Bridges says:

    David is ether dead or retired. There may not be a mention of King David’s death in the Bible.

  35. Tara B says:

    I will Amen to that Lisa!

  36. Sharon Jones says:

    The place I work in and the place I work for has just interviewed for new leadership and both are important for my job. The place I work in did not hire the one I was hoping for and I will probably find out today who that is and likely I will find out my direct boss. I truly believe God sets up leaders and takes them down. This waiting is hard and I fully expect that my first choice won’t be my boss. Just because we have some leadership that usually get their way. I am asking prayer for both my choice in boss to be so but at the same time that I will except whoever it is. I am nervous. Trying to give that to the Lord and just do my own part of the work to the best of my ability!

  37. Ally M says:

    Praying for you in this transition season @Taylor! I hope you feel better too.
    I hope to be like Solomon and be humble and fully trust God’s faithfulness and steadfast love.

  38. lisa chapek says:

    It struck me that Solomon made 1,000 sacrifices before the Lord. Not that there is any “magic” in the number but it speaks of someone who recognizes that, for all God is and all He’s done, no sacrifice is too much. It also speaks of his relationship with God. He came and honored the Lord a thousand times over just to worship/seek Him and be in His presence, he didn’t ask for anything.
    Also, after reading posts from yesterday of those whose children have wandered from the Lord, my heart was stirred for their return. I prayed for them what the Lord put on my heart to pray for my nephews. While asking the Lord that my nephews would come to their senses, He told me I wasn’t asking “big” enough. After all these years of our children being led astray, it’s time to call them home, but not alone. The prayer He put on my heart was fir them to come home and to bring others with them who never knew the Lord so that He might ransack hell. A harvesting of the wheat and tares where the tares aren’t thrown in the fire but instead become wheat. Praying that for your children, may the Lord answer in His goodness and abundance!

  39. Taylor says:

    May I be like Solomon and ask for wisdom and go to the Lord for guidance with this new job transition.

    Thanks for everyone who has been praying <3 This week has been ROUGH. From getting sick (still not feeling 100% yet unfortunately) to feeling overwhelmed and under supported in this new position, I have been fighting the attacks of the enemy on my mind telling me that I'm not cut out for this, this job switch was a bad idea, etc. I prayed last night that the Lord would provide for me today as I go back to my new position. Right now I'm splitting time between my new building on MWF and working in my old area Tues/Thurs. I also am looking forward to this weekend where I can REST. It is so needed. Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement! God's got me :)

  40. Rachel from Texas says:

    Maria Baer – me too! 1 chron. was tough! Not much stood out to me… my eyes would glaze over a bit. Thankful for a new book, new day, fresh start! I want to see Jesus more & more on each page of scripture as we head closer to Easter

  41. Aimee D-R says:

    Father that I can humbly do Your will and rest in Your blessings. In Jesus name. Amen

  42. lisa chapek says:

    It struck me that Solomon made 1,000 sacrifices before the Lord. Not that there is any “magic” in the number but it speaks of someone who recognizes that, for all God is and all He’s done, no sacrifice is too much. It also speaks of his relationship with God. He came and honored the Lord a thousand times over just to worship/seek Him and be in His presence, he didn’t ask for anything.

  43. Jill Ford says:

    As I was reading this I was struck by Solomons humble heart and that he wanted wisdom above all else from the Lord. Lord give me that humble heart daily. I confess I’m not always humble.

  44. Elaine Morgan says:

    ❤️

  45. Maria Baer says:

    I was having trouble connecting with this study. And then a couple of days ago, I decided to listen to the podcast for this week, and oh— how it changed my posture and perception of Chronicles. So thankful for that, because it made me go back in the Scripture to see how truly magnificent God is, but also how within an incredible amount of information and genealogy, he was continuing to shape the story of his people, Israel. But what stood out to me the most is how these men, even when they made mistakes, sought the counsel of the Lord, because they understood that anything they had or who they were, was because of God. Oh, that I may seek the counsel of the Lord in all the aspects of my life. Because without Him, I am nothing.

  46. Searching says:

    Our faith in Him and God’s blessing of wisdom to us will guide us through many challenges. Thank you, Lord!

    So many hearts bringing loved ones to the Lord in prayer. Praying for each of my SRT sisters with children, grandchildren, siblings, parents and other family members and friends – that each will come to the love and saving knowledge of Father God and Christ, His son. I have many in my family too.

    SUNDAYSCHOOLTEACHER – praying for husband’s healing

    REBECCA W – praying for your aunt and cousin

    MERCY – praying for your mom, and for your and your brother as you interact with her.

    TRACI GENDRON – this great niece (aka grandchild) will show you a piece of your heart you didn’t even know was there ❤️

    RHONDA J – praise the Lord for those changed lives! ❤️

    ALLY M ❤️
    CINDY HANNA ❤️

    ELIZABETH CARLOCK – in agreement with TRUTH SEEKER & KELLY (NEO) that there are so many people (including children) that are influenced by each of us that don’t have any children. Since I don’t have any myself, I reach out to those I know or can come to know through church, etc.

  47. Mary Ann Graves says:

    Amen

  48. Kelly (NEO) says:

    Solomon’s request reflected a humble heart. God’s response reflected His lavish love. My prayer is that I seek God’s wisdom over my own and not grow a entitlement attitude to His lavish love.

    ELIZABETH CARLOCK – I too have no children and so relate to your comment. I’m trusting that as I persue a life surrendered to Christ that there will be others who are influenced to also persue Jesus.

  49. Terri Marshall says:

    Amen❤️

  50. Melissa C says:

    We abide by a living faith. Faithful persistence in Jesus. When we abide in him he will indwell us and give us the nourishment we so desperately need to grow .❤️

  51. Melissa C says:

    “Remain in me , and I in you. Just as the branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine , neither can you unless you remain in me .”
    John 15:4
    We need to persist faithfully following Christ. We abide in him by a living faith. It is active. If we abide in him , he will indwell us and give us the nourishment we so desperately need to grow spiritually.❤️

  52. Melissa C says:

    “Remain in me , and I in you. Just as the branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine , neither can you unless you remain in me .”
    John 15:4

  53. Melissa C says:

    “Remain in me , and I in you. Just as the branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine , neither can you unless you remain in me .”