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,

¹⁷ But the wisdom that comes from heaven^(A) is first of all pure; then peace-loving,^(B) considerate, submissive, full of mercy^(C) and good fruit, impartial and sincere.^(D)

⁷ But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance,^(A) but the Lord looks at the heart.”^(B)

Two Kinds of Wisdom

¹³ Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it^(A) by their good life, by deeds^(B) done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

²⁸ When all Israel heard the verdict the king had given, they held the king in awe, because they saw that he had wisdom^(A) from God to administer justice.

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.

¹² For the word of God^(A) is alive^(B) and active.^(C) Sharper than any double-edged sword,^(D) it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.^(E)

⁴ Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal?^(A) What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”^(B)