1. Solomon's foolishness (1-3)

Solomon did two things which planted seeds of destruction in the kingdom: He married many foreign women, including Pharaoh's daughter, and he continued to use the pagan altars as places of worship.

2. Solomon's good prayer topic (4-15)

When God gave Solomon the chance to ask for whatever he wanted, he asked for a discerning heart so that he could be a good shepherd for God's people. This prayer pleased God, and he promised him not only wisdom, but also riches and honor.

3. Solomon's discerning heart (16-28)

God answered Solomon's prayer. These verses contain an example of Solomon's wisdom. When two women claimed the same baby, he found a way to discover the baby's real mother. All Israel was awed by the wisdom God had given their king.

Application: Lord, give me insight to understand your word and courage to obey it. Raise up wise and discerning leaders for our land.
One Word: Find the right prayer topic