Bible Stories and Hymns
Solomon’s Choice
“Be strong, and shew thyself a man!”
Said David to his youthful son.
“I die! keep thou the charge from God,
And in his ways and precepts run!”
So David slept—and Solomon
Desired to do just what was right,
And God spoke to him in a dream,
“What shall I give thee? Ask to-night.”
“Oh, God,” he said, “Thou hast been kind
To place me on king David’s throne;
Yet, I am but a little child,
I am not fit to go alone.
“An understanding heart I want,
To guard thine Israel, Lord, from sin—
This mighty people! Teach me, Lord,
How to go out—how to come in.”
“Thy choice is good!” the Lord replied,
“An understanding heart I give;
No monarch yet has ever reigned
So well. No king so wise shall live.”
“’T is well that thou hast sought this thing,
And hast not asked long life and health,
Riches or honors,—yet I give
To thee and thine abundant wealth!”
“Ask what thou wilt” in prayer, dear child;
God promises to give it thee,
And shouldst thou heavenly wisdom seek,
All other things shall added be.