January 6

So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— — 1 Kgs 3:11 BSB

It’s interesting to see what God was pleased that Solomon did not choose. Long life, for example, is not the most desirable of God’s gifts. The most complete life ever lived on this earth lasted only thirty-three years.

Solomon also did not choose riches. Many people, if given the choice, would choose money over everything else. There’s a Russian legend about a man who entered a diamond mine looking for treasure. He filled his pockets with gems, but as he found larger ones, he discarded the smaller ones. Eventually, he became thirsty, but there was no water. He heard rivers flowing, but when he found them, they were rivers of diamonds. At the sound of a waterfall, he ran forward, only to find a cascade of gems. Surrounded by wealth, he was dying of thirst.