When we were children, we loved to hear the words of our parents asking us what we want, maybe to appease us, to stop us from bugging them or just plain and simple loving. Questions like this is also asked because our parents know that we cannot have them by our selves. Dependence. This, I believe is the nature of God’s offer to King Solomon in the bible verse above.
Notice what King Solomon asked in 2 Chronicles 1:10 in response to God’s offer, “Give me the wisdom and knowledge to lead them properly, for who could possibly govern this great people of yours?”
Wisdom and knowledge can be gained through education, time and experience but it will take much effort. Solomon knew his priorities and it was not money or fame. God’s offer is like a genie-in-a-bottle kind of offer and comes only once in a lifetime and given to probably a handful of privileged people only. A greedy person would have grabbed the opportunity to secure himself for a whole lifetime.
Solomon would not have any of it.
He knew what was important and that was to lead a people–a chosen people. In the previous chapter, David urged all Israel to support his son when he passes away. David knew that Solomon was young and inexperienced and would need a lot of help. There are far greater things than money and Solomon recognized it and that is why he asked God for help.
As king, Solomon knew that he will not have problems about money. Only the greedy will care about it. Solomon was wise even in his youth and inexperience. God rewarded Solomon not just by increasing his wisdom and knowledge but by giving him the things he would need–and probably want.
Solomon flourished and in his lifetime gave Israel its most glorious period ever. When we are confronted with such decisions, let us be as wise as Solomon. Not foolish by any standard. Remember, there far greater things than money or fame.