Solomon Prays for Wisdom

In that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “Ask what I shall give you.”

Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?”

God answered Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king,

wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like.”

Hiram also said, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who made heaven and earth, who has given King David a wise son, who has discretion and understanding, who will build a temple for the Lord and a royal palace for himself.

“Now I have sent a skilled man, who has understanding, Huram-abi,

And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built,

And she said to the king, “The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom,

but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, half the greatness of your wisdom was not told me; you surpass the report that I heard.

Happy are your wives! Happy are these your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom!

Thus King Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom.

And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put into his mind.