Solomon’s Discernment

All Israel heard of Solomon’s discernment in this case, a judgment that amply demonstrated his great wisdom. “. . . And they feared the king, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice” (1 Kings 3:28). The story of how Solomon became so wise and the lessons from his life deserve our undivided attention. The history of the kings tells the whole story—both good and bad. Remember, much that was said is good. “And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of his father David . . .” (1 Kings 3:3). God was pleased with the new king’s attitude, and appeared to him in a dream: “Ask! What shall I give you?” (1 Kings 3:5).