10
God, the Master, was delighted with Solomon's response.
11
And God said to him, "Because you have asked for this and haven't grasped after a long life, or riches, or the doom of your enemies, but you have asked for the ability to lead and govern well,
12
I'll give you what you've asked for - I'm giving you a wise and mature heart. There's never been one like you before; and there'll be no one after.
13
As a bonus, I'm giving you both the wealth and glory you didn't ask for - there's not a king anywhere who will come up to your mark.
14
And if you stay on course, keeping your eye on the life-map and the God-signs as your father David did, I'll also give you a long life."
15
Solomon woke up - what a dream! He returned to Jerusalem, took his place before the Chest of the Covenant of God, and worshiped by sacrificing Whole-Burnt-Offerings and Peace-Offerings. Then he laid out a banquet for everyone in his service.
16
The very next thing, two prostitutes showed up before the king.
17
The one woman said, "My master, this woman and I live in the same house. While we were living together, I had a baby.
18
Three days after I gave birth, this woman also had a baby. We were alone - there wasn't anyone else in the house except for the two of us.
19
The infant son of this woman died one night when she rolled over on him in her sleep.
20
She got up in the middle of the night and took my son - I was sound asleep, mind you! - and put him at her breast and put her dead son at my breast.