How can we apply Solomon's approach to requests in our daily decisions? Setting the Scene in 1 Kings 2:20 Bathsheba approaches her son, King Solomon: “Then she said, ‘May I make a small request of you? Do not refuse me.’ ‘Make your request, mother,’ the king replied, ‘for I will not refuse you.’ ” (1 Kings 2:20) The king’s respectful invitation opens the door to hear her petition, yet the wider passage (vv. 21-24) shows he still evaluates the request against God’s wisdom and kingdom priorities. Observations on Solomon’s Approach • Shows honor: addresses Bathsheba as “mother,” rises to meet her (v.19), and sits her at his right hand. • Listens first: invites the full request before deciding. • Retains discernment: later weighs the request, sees Adonijah’s hidden agenda, and upholds righteousness even when it means refusal. • Acts promptly: once the matter is judged, he takes decisive, just action. Principles to Practice Today • Honor relationships while keeping God first. • Listen fully before forming conclusions. • Pray for discernment, measure every request by Scripture’s standards. • Set godly boundaries; love does not equal automatic agreement. • Respond with timely, clear action once a decision is made. Scripture Connections that Reinforce the Pattern • Proverbs 18:13 — “He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.” • James 1:19 — “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” • Philippians 1:9-10 — “That your love may abound... so that you can discern what is best.” • Proverbs 2:6 — “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Walking This Out in Daily Decisions 1. Pause and show respect—make eye contact, put the phone down, give people weight. 2. Hear the whole story—ask clarifying details, echo back what you heard. 3. Lay the matter before the Lord—seek a clear verse or principle that touches the issue. 4. Ask, “Does this request advance God’s purposes or compromise them?” 5. Communicate your decision kindly but firmly, explaining the biblical reason where appropriate. 6. Follow through—if you said yes, do it wholeheartedly; if you said no, stand by it without wavering. Closing Encouragement The Spirit who granted Solomon wisdom indwells every believer (1 Corinthians 2:12-16). As we honor others, listen well, and filter requests through God’s unchanging Word, we can navigate daily choices with the same steady, God-centered clarity the king displayed. |
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