Read 1 Kings 2:26-46
Highlights:
Prophecy against Eli fulfilled (1 Kin. 2:26-27); Abiathar banished from the priesthood; Solomon's instructions concerning Joab and Shimei (2:28-46; see 2:5-9); Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter; Solomon's dream.
And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment (1 Kings 3:28).
Solomon was given the gift of wisdom by God. Solomon had desired to be wise so he could be a good ruler over the people of God. He knew he needed God's help to be a just leader.
The incident recounted here is a fairly well known scripture. Two women were contending over a child. Both of the women had a child during the night. One child died. One child stayed alive. Both women were claiming that the living child was theirs and that the dead child belonged to the other.
Using the great wisdom given by God, Solomon discerned how to tell which one was lying. He knew the mother of the child would do anything to protect it. So, Solomon told them since it was impossible to tell who was truly the mother, that they would divide the child into two pieces. Each woman could take one half home.
The real mother spoke up to protect her child. She was willing to let the other woman have the child to save its life. The imposter was willing to let the child die. It was easy to tell who the child's mother was.
Solomon could have used many different approaches to resolve this dilemma. He could have formed a panel of judges to listen to the facts and decide. The child could have been taken into custody of the government.
Solomon had confidence in the wisdom bestowed upon him by God. He must have known no other power could enable him to make better decisions than by his using God's gift. He was truly blessed to be wise. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out! (Rom. 11:33).
Solomon was probably the second wisest person to ever walk the face of the earth. Jesus of course was the wisest. He also let His godly wisdom demonstrate God well. But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:24).
The wisdom that can only come from God is a tremendous thing to possess. Sometimes it is difficult to make the right choice. Godly wisdom directs us in the way God desires. There are many gifts one can receive from God. Wisdom is definitely one that will help guide your way through life.
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit (1 Cor. 12:7-8).
Thought for Today:
Fervent love for God is the best proof of godly wisdom.
Christ Portrayed:
Through the wisdom which God gave Solomon (1 Kings. 3:12). That no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord (1 Cor. 1:29-31).
Word Studies:
2:44 is privy to, knowingly did; 3:1 made affinity, made an alliance by marriage; 3:19 overlaid it, laid on him; 3:26 her bowels yearned, she had motherly compassion; 4:6 tribute, forced labor; 4:28 dromedaries, young camels, swift steeds; charge, responsibility.
Prayer Suggestion: Be grateful for your inheritance as a child of the King (1 Pet. 1:3-4).
Optional Reading: Acts 23
Memory Verse for the Week: John 13:34
