An understanding heart; whereby I may both clearly discern, and faithfully perform, all the parts of my duty; for both these are spoken of in Scripture as the effects of a good understanding; and he that lives in the neglect of his duties, or the practice of wickedness, is called a fool, and one void of understanding. Judge, or, govern, as that word is used, Judges 3:10, Judges 4:4 Psalms 7:8, Psalms 67:4 Isaiah 2:4, Isaiah 16:5. That I may discern between good and bad, to wit, in causes and controversies among my people; that I may not through mistakes, or prejudices, or passions, give wrong sentences, and call evil good, or good evil. Who is able of himself, or without thy gracious assistance.
Related Commentaries of 1 Kings 3:9
1 Kings 3:9
9 Give therefore thy servant an understandingb heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?