7
And now, LORD my God, you have made me, your servant, king in my father David's place. But I'm young and inexperienced. I know next to nothing.
8
But I'm here, your servant, in the middle of the people you have chosen, a large population that can't be numbered or counted due to its vast size.
9
Please give your servant a discerning mind in order to govern your people and to distinguish good from evil, because no one is able to govern this important people of yours without your help."
10
It pleased the LORD that Solomon had made this request.
11
God said to him, "Because you have asked for this instead of requesting long life, wealth, or victory over your enemies—asking for discernment so as to acquire good judgment—
12
I will now do just what you said. Look, I hereby give you a wise and understanding mind. There has been no one like you before now, nor will there be anyone like you afterward.
13
I now also give you what you didn't ask for: wealth and fame. There won't be a king like you as long as you live.
14
And if you walk in my ways and obey my laws and commands, just as your father David did, then I will give you a very long life."
15
Solomon awoke and realized it was a dream. He went to Jerusalem and stood before the chest containing the LORD's covenant. Then he offered entirely burned offerings and well-being sacrifices, and held a celebration for all his servants.
Solomon and the prostitutes
16 Sometime later, two prostitutes came and stood before the king.
17
One of them said, "Please, Your Majesty, listen: This woman and I have been living in the same house. I gave birth while she was there.