December 9

“So God said to him, ”Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice–I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart." — 1 Kgs 3:11-12

The Lord approved the choice Solomon had made. It was an unselfish choice. He was thinking of his people, and wanted to be a good king. It was a spiritual choice–not gold, power, victory, and fame—but wisdom to qualify him for duty, to fit him for fulfilling well his mission. Such a choice always pleases God. He loves to have us choose the best things.

James says that the reason men ask and receive not–is because they ask that they may consume God’s gifts on their lusts. The prayer of selfishness is never pleasing to God; but he is pleased when we ask for things to be used in blessing others. The prayer for mere earthly things, may really be for a curse upon our life. Midas desired the power to change whatever he touched into gold. His request was granted; and the fruits he plucked, and the food he would put into his mouth–all turned to gold, until in the agonies of starvation he was compelled to cry for the withdrawal of the power. It was a curse, not a blessing to him.

So it is with those who live only for wealth; they get it, but their souls are starving! Solomon asked for wisdom only, and left all other matters to God’s own choice. Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”