“A Wise and and Understanding Heart”

Solomon was the son of David and Bathsheba. We learn a lot about Solomon in 1 Kings and the kind of man that he was. Solomon was king over all of Israel. Solomon loved the Lord and he was a righteous man who follows and keeps the commandments.

The Lord, in a dream, visited Solomon one night. The Lord asked Solomon what he should give him. Solomon asked the Lord for an understanding heart to judge his people and to discern between good and bad, wisdom. The Lord was very pleased with Solomon’s answer and told Solomon that this was a righteous desire and the Lord gave Solomon a wise and understanding heart.  The Lord also said that there would not be any other man like him. The Lord also gave Solomon riches and honor, which Solomon did not ask for but the Lord blessed him with anyways.

The Lord goes on to tell Solomon and counsel with him saying, “And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statues and m commandments, as they father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days,” (1 Kings 3:14). Then Solomon awoke from this dream and went to the temple and offered up burnt offerings and offered peace offerings.

I think that Solomon asked for an understanding heart because he knew what was really important. I think that Solomon could see the bigger picture instead of the here and now blessings. He could have asked for riches or anything else but he asked for an understanding heart. I think that this says a lot about his character, his faith, and his love for the Lord. He was the king and he had a righteous desire to make righteous decisions in regards to his people.

“And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding

much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore.

And Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the

east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt. For he was wiser than all men;

than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of

Mahol; and his fame was in all nations round about.”

1 Kings 4:29-31

Solomon’s choice was definitely pleasing unto the Lord. More worldly people would have asked for riches or for status but because Solomon had this righteous desire and he understood what was important the Lord was very happy and pleased with Solomon. Solomon put aside worldly wishes for spiritual wishes, which is ultimately all that matters.

Solomon demonstrated that he had received this spiritual gift from God at the beginning of his reign by a story about two mothers. To women came to see the king, Solomon. Both women had just given birth to babies and lived together. One night, one baby died and the mother of that child switched the babies so she could have the child that was still living. In the morning the other mother woke up and the baby was dead, she soon realized it was not her baby and the other mother switched them. The two women came to the king with their problem; both claiming the child was theirs. The king asked for his sword and said that he would divide the living child into two and give each woman half of the baby. Then the woman, whose child this really was, spoke up and told the king to just give the baby to other woman so the baby would live. The other woman said, “Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it.” Then the king said to give the baby to the woman who was willing to give up her child to save its life, saying she was the mother. All of Israel heard of this judgment and feared the king because they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment.

When we are seeking gifts we should seek spiritual gifts, whatever they may be. These will help us align our will with the Lords and live our lives in a righteous way that will lead us back to God. We should seek earnestly the best gifts. We are taught in D&C 46:28 and 30, “… he that asketh in Spirit shall receive in Spirit… he that asketh in the Spirit asketh according to the will of God; wherefore it is done even as he asketh.” Some of these gifts can include:

the gift of asking

the gift of listening

the gift of hearing and using a still, small voice

the gift of being able to weep

the gift of avoiding contention

the gift of being agreeable

the gift of avoiding vain repetition

the gift of seeking that which is righteous

the gift of no passing judgment

the gift of looking to God for guidance

the gift of being a disciple

the gift of caring for others

the gift of being able to ponder

the gift of offering prayer

the gift of bearing a mighty testimony

the gift of receiving the Holy Ghost.

“We must remember that to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God. It is our right and responsibility to accept our gifts and to share them. God’s gifts and powers are available to all of us.”

(Elder Marvin J. Ashton, “There Are Many Gifts”, Ensign (CR), November 1987, p.20)

Here are some more spiritual gifts listed in Doctrine & Covenants 46:13-26:

The Holy Ghost

To know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God

To believe on their words

Obedience

The word of wisdom

Knowledge

Faith

Faith to heal

Working of miracles

Prophesy

Discerning of spirits

Speaking with tongues

“And all these gifts come from God, for the benefit of the children of God.”(D&C 46:26)

Spiritual gifts are very important and when we are striving for gifts we should seek the best gifts with a sincere heart. When we are seeking the things that we want in this world, we should be like Solomon who could have asked for anything and he asked for wisdom and an understanding heart. We should look into our intentions and sincerely seek God’s will. We learn a lot from Solomon and his example. I hope that if I got asked by the Lord, what to give me, I would answer righteously as Solomon did.