¹⁰ The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. ¹¹ So God said to him, “Since you have asked^(A) for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment^(B) in administering justice, ¹² I will do what you have asked.^(C) I will give you a wise^(D) and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. ¹³ Moreover, I will give you what you have not^(E) asked for—both wealth and honor^(F)—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal^(G) among kings.

Solomon’s Wisdom

²⁹ God gave Solomon wisdom^(A) and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand^(B) on the seashore. ³⁰ Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East,^(C) and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt.^{(D) 31} He was wiser^(E) than anyone else, including Ethan the Ezrahite—wiser than Heman, Kalkol and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations.

¹¹ God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth,^(A) possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, ¹² therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor,^(B) such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.^(C)”