1 Kings 3:16-28

Contemporary English Version

Solomon Makes a Difficult Decision

16
One day two women came to King Solomon, 17 and one of them said:
[a]

Your Majesty, this woman and I live in the same house. Not long ago my baby was born
at home, 18 and three days later her baby was born. Nobody else was there with us.

19
One night while we were all asleep, she rolled over on her baby, and he died. 20
Then
while I was still asleep, she got up and took my son out of my bed. She put him in her
bed, then she put her dead baby next to me.

21
In the morning when I got up to feed my son, I saw that he was dead. But when I
looked at him in the light, I knew he wasn't my son.

22
“No!” the other woman shouted. “He was your son. My baby is alive!”

“The dead baby is yours,” the first woman yelled. “Mine is alive!”

They argued back and forth in front of Solomon, 23

until finally he said, “Both of you say
this live baby is yours. 24 Someone bring me a sword.”

A sword was brought, and Solomon ordered, 25

“Cut the baby in half! That way each of
you can have part of him.”

26
“Please don't kill my son,” the baby's mother screamed. “Your Majesty, I love him very
much, but give him to her. Just don't kill him.”

The other woman shouted, “Go ahead and cut him in half. Then neither of us will have
the baby.”

27
Solomon said, “Don't kill the baby.” Then he pointed to the first woman, “She is his
real mother. Give the baby to her.”

28
Everyone in Israel was amazed when they heard how Solomon had made his decision.
They realized that God had given him wisdom to judge fairly.
 A MAN of Wisdom
 «For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 2:6Word of God

 Proverbs 4:6-7, "Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme;
therefore, get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get
understanding."

 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,

making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Ephesians 5:15-16lifemind

 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives
generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
James 1:5

 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then
peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit,
impartial and sincere.

James 3:17

 How much better to get wisdom than gold,

to get insight rather than silver!
Proverbs 16:16

 Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the
standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may
become wise.

1 Corinthians 3:18
 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every
opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with
salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:5-6

 Where there is strife, there is pride,

but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

Proverbs 13:10

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and
discipline.
Proverbs 1:7

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5

Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.
Proverbs 4:23

Go to the ant, you slacker! Observe its ways and become wise.
Proverbs 6:6

Don’t rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke the wise, and he will love you.
Proverbs 9:8

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One
is understanding.
Proverbs 9:10

When there are many words, sin is unavoidable, but the one who controls his lips is
prudent.
Proverbs 10:19
A wise son responds to his father’s discipline, but a mocker doesn’t listen to rebuke.
Proverbs 13:1

The one who will not use the rod hates his son, but the one who loves him disciplines
him diligently.
Proverbs 13:24

There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death.
Proverbs 14:12

A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.
Proverbs 15:1

Start a youth out on his way; even when he grows old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6

Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be
praised.
Proverbs 31:30