Considering all the bloodshed and politics of the previous chapter, it is significant that Solomon asked the Lord for wisdom. He possessed worldly wisdom but he knew he needed the wisdom of the Lord if he was to govern the nation of Israel in a righteous way as a servant of the Lord. He asked to have a discerning heart so he could properly distinguish between right and wrong, between truth and error and so make decisions and laws which were godly and just. And the important thing was he was humble enough to admit that he needed God’s help. This in fact, is the beginning of wisdom. Wisdom is the choice to follow and trust in God for all things. The wisdom that this choice reflected is able to produce the knowledge necessary for making choices that produce a peace and prosperity. Thus God would grant Solomon wisdom plus riches and honor.
The story which demonstrated Solomon’s great wisdom shows other godly characteristics which God’s wisdom produced. The fact that 2 prostitutes could meet face to face with the King shows us that he was a man of the people, one who was concerned for everyone. He had compassion and kindness on those many religious people would dismiss as contemptible and unworthy of justice or mercy. He did not even punish the woman who lied perhaps understanding that her grief over the death of her child may have affected her judgment. In addition, maybe he realized that the loss of the child was punishment enough. This should teach us not to dismiss people or discriminate against anyone on the basis of their sin. After all, we are all sinners in need of God’s mercy. Therefore we can always show mercy to people guilty of a vile sin by listening and providing comfort.
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