₅That night the LORD appeared to him in a dream and asked him, “What would you like me to give you?”

₆Solomon answered, “You always showed great love for my father David, your servant, and he was good, loyal, and honest in his relations with you. And you have continued to show him your great and constant love by giving him a son who today rules in his place. ₇O LORD God, you have let me succeed my father as king, even though I am very young and don't know how to rule. ₈Here I am among the people you have chosen to be your own, a people who are so many that they cannot be counted. ₉So give me the wisdom I need to rule your people with justice and to know the difference between good and evil. Otherwise, how would I ever be able to rule this great people of yours?”

₁₀The LORD was pleased that Solomon had asked for this, ₁₁and so he said to him, “Because you have asked for the wisdom to rule justly, instead of long life for yourself or riches or the death of your enemies, ₁₂I will do what you have asked. I will give you more wisdom and understanding than anyone has ever had before or will ever have again.