“The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.” ~ I Kings 3:10
REFERENCE:
Words matter and the right words matter. When we know the power of words, we will use them carefully and thoughtfully. Solomon said, “A fool’s mouth calls for blows… Righteous lips are the delight of kings.” God commended Him for a good speech because of suitable words.
God appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, “Ask! What shall I give you?” The young king asked for an understanding heart to judge the people and to discern between good and evil. It is wise to ask for these as a king, and we have often concluded that this request pleased God. Well, we are not wrong, but there is more. It was the entire speech.
Why did God consider what Solomon said a pleasing speech? Take note of the things he said:
a. You have shown great mercy to my Father: Solomon acknowledged God’s past dealings with his Father and family. It was a statement of gratitude to God for His faithfulness.
b. You have continued this kindness to his son: He affirmed the fact that God did not stop with his Father but kept the promise to enthrone his son. Hence, He is a covenant-keeping God.
c. I am an inexperienced little child: He told God He needed His mentorship and guidance.
d. Your people are great: By this, he was saying that God had done well in providing for, protecting, and increasing His people. He meant that God was the Real King of Israel.
e. Give me an understanding heart: His reason for asking this was to give justice and good leadership to the people.
This speech pleased the Lord, not for what Solomon asked, but because of how he asked, the words used, and most importantly, the motivation of the heart that was asking.
When you open your mouth on any occasion, use the right words, and your speech will please God and man. Season your words with grace, inoffensive to God. The right words will make you friends, win contracts and jobs, and bring you into the company of kings. I pray that you will always find wisdom for the right words in all scenarios so that you will enjoy love, kindness, and favor with men; and that God will listen and say, “This is a pleasing speech.”
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL TEXTS:
Proverbs 16:13, Proverbs 18:6, and Proverbs 16:24.
PRAYERS:
O Lord, let my innermost desire and ambition be pleasing to You. May the things I passionately seek be the things that are of value to You, Your kingdom, and Your people. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You. May I be Your wise son, who makes his Father’s heart glad, in Jesus’ name – Amen!
Amen