September 22 - 2 Chronicles 1-5
FOCUS PASSAGE: 2 Chronicles 1:7-12
"What if you could ask for anything?" That question has fascinated people for generations. It is the theme of fairy tales, novels, and movies where someone is granted a wish. Most people would ask for wealth, fame, power, health, or a long life. Yet in 2 Chronicles 1:7–12, God posed that very question to King Solomon. His answer reveals the heart of a man who understood that life's greatest need is not possessions but wisdom.
After Solomon became king of Israel, he gathered the nation to worship the Lord at Gibeon. That night, God appeared to him and said, "Ask! What shall I give you?" (v. 7). Imagine being given a blank check by the Creator of the universe. Solomon could have requested military victory over his enemies, immense riches, a longer life, or personal comfort. Instead, he prayed, "Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of Yours?" (v. 10).
Solomon's request demonstrated humility. He recognized that the responsibility of leading God's people was far greater than his own abilities. Rather than trusting in himself, he admitted his need for divine guidance. True wisdom begins when we acknowledge our dependence upon God. Pride believes it already has the answers, but humility seeks them from the Lord.
His request also revealed a servant's heart. Solomon was not thinking primarily about himself but about the people he had been called to lead. His desire was to govern with justice, discernment, and integrity. This reflects the heart of biblical leadership, which exists not for personal gain but for the good of others. Jesus would later teach that the greatest leaders are servants of all.
God was pleased with Solomon's answer. Because Solomon had not asked for riches, wealth, honor, revenge upon his enemies, or a long life, God granted him extraordinary wisdom and knowledge. In addition, God promised to give him riches, wealth, and honor beyond any king before or after him. This illustrates an important spiritual principle: when we put God's priorities first, He often blesses us in ways we never imagined. As Jesus later taught, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33).
If God asked us today, "What shall I give you?" how would we answer? Our response would reveal the true priorities of our hearts. While it is not wrong to pray for health, provision, or protection, Scripture consistently teaches that wisdom is among God's greatest gifts. It enables us to make godly decisions, honor Christ, love others well, and fulfill His calling for our lives.
The greatest request we can make is not for more possessions but for a heart that knows God and a mind filled with His wisdom. Those who seek His wisdom discover that it is more valuable than silver or gold because it leads to a life that glorifies Him. Like Solomon, may our greatest desire be to know God's will and faithfully serve Him.