“ If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
-John 15:7
“Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”
That’s the question God posed to Solomon, a young man newly anointed as king over all of Israel.
Just imagine hearing that from God. If you’re anything like me, your mind starts racing. What would you ask for? Wealth or power? Relationships or health? Provision or protection? Kingdoms or possessions?
If I look back at my twenty-year-old self, I know I wouldn’t have had the maturity to respond the way Solomon did in 1 Kings 3:
At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”
Solomon answered, “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day. Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.” – 1 Kings 3: 5-9
With everything on the table and no limits, Solomon asks for wisdom. That single request reveals self-control, discipline, and a deep awareness of his limitations. He recognizes his gaps. And more than anything, he wants discernment—the ability to lead well and judge rightly.
God’s response to that humble request is powerful:
“I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings.” – 1 Kings 3: 12-13
So what can we take away from this as leaders today?
Wisdom is the key to everything.
Solomon’s request—and God’s response—show us that success starts with wisdom. Discernment helps us make better decisions, avoid pitfalls, and navigate what’s ahead. While the world chases wealth and power, Solomon teaches us to chase God’s guidance first.
Stewardship requires wisdom.
God has entrusted us with leadership—not to act as creators, but as stewards. That mindset shift changes everything. When we recognize that what we lead ultimately belongs to Him, we stop rushing ahead and start seeking His direction first.
Humility is a leadership superpower.
Solomon didn’t pretend to have it all figured out. He acknowledged his inexperience and asked for help. As leaders, we often feel pressure to have all the answers. But real strength comes from admitting we don’t—and asking God to fill the gap.
No matter where God has placed you—in business, in transition, or winding down your career—seek wisdom. Ask for it. His Word promises to provide it:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5 NIV
Think and Pray: God desire for us to be wise, start by asking for wisdom. Heavenly Father, give me Your wisdom and not the wisdom of the world, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Written by John Gamades, author of WAR: A Tactical Guide for Christian Men and Conquer: Daily Devotions for the Christian Man
