When Solomon became king, he had a dream encounter with the Lord (see 1 Kings 3:5-13). The Lord asked Solomon a question. “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!” Solomon responds, “I am like a little child who doesn’t know his way around. Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and discern right from wrong. For who by himself can govern this great people of yours?”

God was pleased with Solomon’s answer. He replied to him, saying, “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies— I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart, such as no one else has had or ever will have! And I will also give you what you did not ask for—riches and fame! No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life! And if you follow me and obey my decrees and my commands as your father, David, did, I will give you a long life.”

When Solomon woke up, he realized it had been a dream.

God’s heart is touched by Solomon’s humility in recognizing the sobering task of ruling a nation so great and numerous that they could not be counted. God shares His wisdom with the humble. He dwells with the one who acknowledges their helplessness to please God by their own wisdom and self-effort. He dwells with those who are crushed by life’s burdens. He blesses those who turn to Him and seek Him earnestly. (see Isaiah 66:1-2).