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Read: 1 Kings 3:4-9
Listen: 1 Kings 3

Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 1 Kings 3:7

 Solomon is the wisest king in Israel’s history. When offered anything in the world, Solomon asks God for wisdom—“a discerning heart”—so he can lead well and make good decisions. Solomon receives wisdom along with riches and honor. The wisest person in Israel calls himself “a little child.” He isn’t actually a child when he prays this. Solomon is not describing his age. He is describing his posture. His dependence. His need for God.

Humility is crucial to our relationship with God and others. Humility is the soil that wisdom grows in. Jesus said the same thing: “Blessed are the poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3). Blessed are those who know they bring nothing to God—and receive everything by grace. Wisdom begins with the realization that we don’t know enough. We can’t see clearly enough. We need God. Humility is not just for our relationship with God. If we want to be a good friend, we need humility. If we want a healthy marriage, we need humility. If we want a peaceful home, we need humility.

TODAY: A humble heart is a listening heart. Listen to God’s voice before using your own. Today, before you make a decision, even a small one, pray Solomon’s prayer in one short sentence: “Lord, I don’t know enough. Give me a listening heart.”