1 Kings 3:16-28
Today's Passage: 1 Kings 3:16-28
In our passage from yesterday, we see the Lord honoring Solomon’s request for discernment, and in our passage today we see this gift on display.
Two women who were prostitutes stood before the king. They argued over who was the rightful mother of this child. They broke into this argument in front of the king, both insisting that they were right.
These women were bold to come before the king with this problem. They would have been of low social standing as women and especially as prostitutes. However, Solomon displayed generosity by listening to them, and even though they bickered in front of him, Solomon gave them a solution.
At first, this solution seems insane. Solomon asks for a sword and proposes that they cut the baby in two so that he could be shared.
Solomon did not engage in a rigorous debate over the maternity of this child, rather, Solomon employed wisdom. Wisdom differs from knowledge. When you have knowledge you know the answer, the fact, but when you exercise wisdom you are using that fact in the correct way.
Solomon knew that a true mother would be caring toward the child. However, it was obvious that simply asking these women “Who cares for this child?” would not produce the truth. No, Solomon needed to see that care in action.
And through Solomon’s courageous, shocking display the truth was revealed, and all of Israel heard of his wisdom. However, in Solomon’s wisdom they did not just see Solomon. Ultimately, the people of Israel saw that God was the source of wisdom.
In Proverbs 9, Solomon writes, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”
It is only by acknowledging and surrendering the Lord that wisdom will be given, and it is only by the wisdom of the Lord that we can begin to truly understand right from wrong.
Have you sought the Lord for wisdom?
Written By: Paulette Carwile
In our passage from yesterday, we see the Lord honoring Solomon’s request for discernment, and in our passage today we see this gift on display.
Two women who were prostitutes stood before the king. They argued over who was the rightful mother of this child. They broke into this argument in front of the king, both insisting that they were right.
These women were bold to come before the king with this problem. They would have been of low social standing as women and especially as prostitutes. However, Solomon displayed generosity by listening to them, and even though they bickered in front of him, Solomon gave them a solution.
At first, this solution seems insane. Solomon asks for a sword and proposes that they cut the baby in two so that he could be shared.
Solomon did not engage in a rigorous debate over the maternity of this child, rather, Solomon employed wisdom. Wisdom differs from knowledge. When you have knowledge you know the answer, the fact, but when you exercise wisdom you are using that fact in the correct way.
Solomon knew that a true mother would be caring toward the child. However, it was obvious that simply asking these women “Who cares for this child?” would not produce the truth. No, Solomon needed to see that care in action.
And through Solomon’s courageous, shocking display the truth was revealed, and all of Israel heard of his wisdom. However, in Solomon’s wisdom they did not just see Solomon. Ultimately, the people of Israel saw that God was the source of wisdom.
In Proverbs 9, Solomon writes, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”
It is only by acknowledging and surrendering the Lord that wisdom will be given, and it is only by the wisdom of the Lord that we can begin to truly understand right from wrong.
Have you sought the Lord for wisdom?
Written By: Paulette Carwile
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