Reading 50 | The Bible in 100 Passages

Sunday, November 2, 2025  

Today's Scripture
1 Kings 3:1–15

Solomon made a marriage alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt; he took Pharaoh’s daughter and brought her into the city of David, until he had finished building his own house and the house of the Lord and the wall around Jerusalem. The people were sacrificing at the high places, however, because no house had yet been built for the name of the Lord. Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of his father David; only, he sacrificed and offered incense at the high places. The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the principal high place; Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar.

At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask what I should give you.” And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant my father David, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you; and you have kept for him this great and steadfast love, and have given him a son to sit on his throne today. And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?” It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor all your life; no other king shall compare with you. If you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your life.” Then Solomon awoke; it had been a dream. He came to Jerusalem where he stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. He offered up burnt offerings and offerings of well-being, and provided a feast for all his servants. (NRSV)

Reflection

I always need to find just one thought in a Bible reading that will give me my focus for the day. In this reading, it is verse 9: So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.

I, too, need to pray for a discerning heart and to be able to distinguish between right and wrong. I need to reflect on my priorities. Do I ask God for things that enhance my own life, or do I focus on others? Am I able to prayerfully make decisions that help me to choose between good and evil in a world that blurs the lines? Where do I need God’s wisdom most in my life? Do I seek God’s help in making my daily decisions, or do I too often try to do it alone?

May I learn to be still and listen as the Lord directs my heart and I find answers.

Prayer

Lord, I pray that you would give me an understanding heart to know your will and follow it. Please give me wisdom not for my own gain, but so that I may serve your people well. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

Written by Linda Gibboney, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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