1 Kings 3:6-10 KJV, “And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.”
Ellen G. White, The Spirit of Prophecy The Great Controversy Between Christ and His Angels and Satan and His Angels, Vol 1, 1870, Ch 35, p. 392, Steam Press, Battle Creek, MI: “The Lord imparted unto Solomon that wisdom which he desired above earthly riches, honor, or long life. He was the wisest king that ever sat upon the throne. God gave him an understanding heart. He wrote many proverbs, and composed many songs. For many years his life was marked with devotion to God, and with uprightness, firm principle, and strict obedience to God’s commands. He directed in every important enterprise, and managed the business matters connected with the kingdom, with the greatest wisdom.”
The Speech embodies remembrance, recognition, respect, and request:
1 He remembered God’s great mercy for his father.
2 He recognized God placed him in that position.
3 He respected God’s choice of people for His own.
4 He requested from God an understanding heart to judge His people.
Proverbs 18:21 KJV, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”
Proverbs 25:11 KJV, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.”
Matthew 12:34 KJV, “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”
A pure word comes out from a pure heart. As we meditate on the Word of the Lord today may we ask the Lord to change our hearts. As this song reminds us:
Change my heart Oh God, make it ever true.
Change my heart Oh God, may I be like You.
You are the potter, I am the clay,
Mold me and make me, this is what I pray.
Change my heart Oh God, make it ever true.
Change my heart Oh God, may I be like You.
Sincerely in the Blessed Hope.