(1 Ki) 3:3, 5, 9-10, 14 CJB “Shlomo loved Adonai, living according to the regulations set forth by David his father; nevertheless, he sacrificed and made offerings on the high places. At Giv‘on Adonai appeared to Shlomo in a dream at night; God said, “Tell me what I should give you.” Therefore, give your servant an understanding heart able to administer justice to your people, so that I can discern between good and bad — for who is equal to judging this great people of yours?” What Shlomo had said in making this request pleased Adonai. More than that, if you will live according to my ways, obeying my laws and mitzvot like your father David, I will give you a long life.”
If God offered you anything you wanted, what would you ask for? Solomon faced that unbelievable opportunity and asked for wisdom. It was a good request—so good that it pleased God. But was it the best request? Solomon’s life demonstrates that knowing what is right cannot replace a faithful heart determined to keep loving and obeying God.
Solomon could have asked for wealth.
Long life.
Victory over his enemies.
Greater power.
Instead, he asked God for an understanding heart so he could discern good from evil and govern God’s people well.
God was pleased because Solomon wasn’t focused primarily upon himself.
And God gave him extraordinary wisdom.
But wisdom wasn’t enough.
A Faithful Heart Is Better Than Knowing What Is Right
First Kings 3 begins with a wonderful statement: “Shlomo loved Adonai.”
What a way to begin.
Unfortunately, that’s not how Solomon finished.
Later we read: “When Shlomo became old, his wives turned his heart away toward other gods…” 1 Kings 11:4 CJB
Think about that.
The wisest man on earth knew God’s commands and still disobeyed them.
He knew Israel’s kings were not to multiply wives. Yet he did.
He knew idolatry was evil. Yet eventually he participated in it.
He could discern between good and evil, but knowing the difference didn’t guarantee he would choose the good.
That’s a warning every Christian man needs.
Knowing God’s Word is not the same as obeying God’s Word.
Good Isn’t Always Best
Solomon asked for something good.
But his later life reveals what he needed even more: a heart that would remain faithful to God.
Interestingly, God reminded him of exactly that responsibility:“If you will live according to my ways, obeying my laws and mitzvot like your father David, I will give you a long life.” 1 Kings 3:14 CJB
Solomon received wisdom from God, but he remained responsible to obey the God who gave it.
Men, we often ask God for things that will help us succeed in this life.
Wisdom.
Strength.
Health.
Opportunity.
Financial provision.
Success.
There is nothing necessarily wrong with asking for any of them.
But none is our greatest need.
What good is knowing exactly what to do if we refuse to do it?
What good is business success if success pulls our heart from God?
What good is living to 100 if we spend those years pursuing things that disappear when we die?
Jesus asked: “What good will it do someone if he gains the whole world but forfeits his life?” — Matthew 16:26 CJB
Ask God for What Matters Forever
We need more than better minds.
We need transformed hearts.
We need hearts that love God, hate sin, obey His Word, and persevere in faith until the end.
God promised through Ezekiel: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit inside you.” — Ezekiel 36:26 CJB
That’s ultimately something Solomon’s wisdom could never accomplish.
Jesus can.
Through Christ, God doesn’t merely forgive our disobedience. He gives His Spirit to transform us increasingly into people who desire and do what pleases Him.
So pursue wisdom.
Build your business.
Provide for your family.
Develop your abilities.
Work hard and succeed wherever God allows.
But never confuse those good things with the best thing.
Above everything else, seek a faithful heart that loves Jesus, obeys His commands, and perseveres until you stand before Him.
Knowing what is right is good. Loving God enough to keep doing what is right is better.
Run Today’s Play
Ask, am I merely learning what God says, and am I actually doing what I already know He commands?
Identify one thing you already know God wants you to do and do it today.
Men, don’t settle for knowing God’s ways. Love Him enough to walk in them. Get wisdom—but above all, guard a faithful heart. Run today’s play.