1. Solomon prayed and asked God for wisdom and favor. (1Kings 3:6-9)

“And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. 7 And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. 8 And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. 9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?”

The word “understanding” is שָׁמַע, (shaw-mah’), which means to hear. One wise woman once told this Pastor that God gave us 2 ears and 1 mouth. So, we ought to listen TWICE as much as we TALK! That is wisdom!! Do you talk more than you listen?

2. Wisdom and favor was granted by the Lord! (1Kings 3:11,12)

“And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. 11 And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; 12 Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.”

So Solomon was given an understanding heart to lead the people of Israel. Will you stop and ask God for wisdom?