When Jesus asks “What shall I give you?”

“The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.”

This question posed by God speaks to the heart of a believer.

God asked Solomon what he wanted. Solomon responded with praise for his circumstances in life. He also told God that I am a little child and do not know how to go out or come in.

Solomon acknowledged that he was the King over a large number of people and he asked God to give him an understanding heart to judge the people and the wisdom to discern between good and evil.

This speech pleased God who responded to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice.”

God told Solomon “I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you.”

God made this promise to Solomon; “And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days.”

God concluded with another promise to Solomon which included a stipulation. “So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”

How do you and I respond to this question from God? Do we thank God for what He has given to us?

Do we acknowledge that we are like a little boy incapable of making good decisions and walking in the ways of God. David lived by this precept. The Lord is my Keeper and He shall preserve my going out and my coming in.

Do we ask for wisdom and an understanding heart to know the ways of God? Commit your works to the Lord and He will establish His thoughts within you.

Solomon’s priorities were to walk with God, be filled with wisdom, and discern between good and evil. He did not ask for blessings of prosperity or personal acclaim.

God honored the requests of Solomon and also promised him riches and honor.

God also made a provisional promise to Solomon to lengthen his days if he walked in the ways of God.

Jesus looks at your heart. How important is God to you? God wants to bless those that are dedicated to Him above all else.

God examines your motives. He doesn’t want to feel like He is being used to help you achieve your goals. This speaks to the essence of God in your life and how you value Him.

Everything in life begins with God. If you short circuit God in attempting to achieve your desires this will bring the conviction and judgment of God. Jesus has made it very clear; “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these other things will be added unto you.” This is the order of God and will never change.

Solomon believed in the sovereignty of God. He was guided by a heart dedicated to serving God above all else.