The Source and Supply of All Discernment

Have you ever thought about what you would ask God for if you could request anything? It’s a question we might daydream about, but for Solomon, it was a real – life scenario. After David passed away and Solomon ascended the throne, the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Ask what you wish Me to give you” (1 Kings 3:5). Solomon had a world of possibilities at his fingertips. He could have sought material wealth, political power, victory over his foes, or any other desire. However, Solomon chose to ask for discernment. He prayed, “Give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil” (1 Kings 3:9). The Scriptures tell us that “it was pleasing in the sight of the Lord that Solomon had asked this thing” (1 Kings 3:10).

Furthermore, the Lord responded to Solomon, saying:
“Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked for yourself long life, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have you asked for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself discernment to understand justice, behold, I have done according to your words. Behold, I have given you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has been none like you before you, nor shall one like you arise after you. I have also given you what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that there will not be any among the kings like you all your days. If you walk in My ways, keeping My statutes and commandments, as your father David walked, then I will prolong your days.” (1 Kings 3:11 – 14)

It’s important to note that God praised Solomon because his request was entirely selfless. The key phrase, “because you have asked this thing, and have not asked for yourself,” shows that selfishness and true discernment don’t go hand in hand. Those who aspire to be discerning must be willing to look beyond their own interests.

In modern evangelical circles, there’s a strong fascination with psychology and self – esteem. This has led to a generation of believers who are so wrapped up in themselves that they struggle to be discerning. In fact, many aren’t even interested in developing discernment. Their spiritual focus is mainly on themselves and fulfilling their own “felt needs.”

Solomon, on the other hand, took a different path. Despite having the chance to ask for a long life, personal prosperity, or good health and wealth, he chose to prioritize discernment. As a result, God not only gave him the discerning heart he asked for but also bestowed upon him riches, honor, and the promise of a long life, as long as he followed the Lord’s ways.

As New Testament believers, we can take heart from James 1:5. It assures us that God is still eager to provide the discernment we so urgently need. The verse states, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). All we have to do is ask God for discernment, and He will graciously provide it.