5 The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at Gibeon. God said to him, "Ask what you want me to give you."

6 Solomon replied, "You showed your servant David, my father, great trustworthy love because he lived his life before you with faithfulness, doing what was right and committed to principle. You have continued to show this great trustworthy love by giving him a son to sit on his throne to this day.

7 Now, Lord God, you have made me king in place of my father David. But I am like an inexperienced young boy who doesn’t know what to do.* 8 I, your servant, am here among your chosen people, a great people that are so many they cannot be counted. 9 So please give me a mind that’s receptive so I can rule* your people well, understanding the difference between right and wrong, for who can rule this difficult people of yours?"

10 The Lord considered that what Solomon asked for was good. 11 So God told him, "Because you asked for this, and you didn’t ask for a long life, or wealth, or the death of your enemies, but instead you asked for understanding to know what is right, 12 I am giving you what you asked for. I am giving you a mind that is wise, with an understanding of what is right, more than anyone else before you or after you.