King Solomon was a king, who from birth, was loved and favored by God.

Thus King Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. And the whole earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put into his mind. (1 Kings 10:23-24)

Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was 666 talents of gold, besides that which the explorers and merchants brought. And all the kings of Arabia and the governors of the land brought gold and silver to Solomon. (2 Chronicles 9:13-14)

And the LORD made Solomon very great in the sight of all Israel and bestowed on him such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel. (1 Chronicles 29:25)

Though King Solomon was a young king, he was wise with his patience, compassion, and mercy.

Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” (1 Kings 1:5)

“If he will show himself a worthy man, not one of his hairs shall fall to the earth, but if wickedness is found in him, he shall die.” (1 Kings 1:52)

King Solomon’s wisdom is shown by carrying out his father’s orders, showing loyalty to God’s succession, promise, and plan.

And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. (1 Kings 3:7)

Now therefore do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man. You will know what you ought to do to him, and you shall bring his gray head down with blood to Sheol. (1 Kings 2:9)

When asked by God, “Ask for whatever you want from me”, Solomon humbles himself before the Lord and asks for something that will glorify God.

And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, 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 this day. And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” (1 Kings 3:6-9)

King Solomon knew how important it was to guard his mind and his heart.

And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. (1 Chronicles 28:9)

“I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the LORD your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn… (1 Kings 2:2-3)

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. (Proverbs 4:23)

By having an understanding mind, we listen to God’s word in order to guard our life. Our words, actions, attitudes, and obedience should then lead to glorifying God.