1 Kings 3:11
And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;
Cross-reference
1 Kings 3:9 records Solomon's actual request for an understanding heart—the very prayer God is now commending.
Matthew 20:21 shows a request for personal honor, contrasting sharply with Solomon's selfless request for wisdom to serve others.
James 4:3 says asking wrongly (for passions) leads to not receiving—Solomon asked for discernment, not selfish gain, so he received.
2 Chronicles 1:11 parallels God's response, listing the same rejected requests and affirmation of Solomon's choice for wisdom.
Ecclesiastes 7:23 reflects Solomon's later experience that wisdom, though sought, remained elusive—a sobering follow-up to his initial request.
Matthew 6:33 commands seeking God's kingdom first, not material things—mirroring Solomon's priority of wisdom over riches.
Luke 12:31 similarly urges seeking God's kingdom, echoing Solomon's choice to prioritize discernment over worldly blessings.
In James 1:5, anyone lacking wisdom is told to ask God — exactly what Solomon did, and God gave generously.
Matthew 20:22 rebukes a misguided request ('you don't know what you ask'), while Solomon's request was praised as wise and selfless.