What biblical principles guide us in seeking truth, as seen in 1 Kings 3:22? Setting the Scene: 1 Kings 3:22 “Then the other woman said, ‘No, my son is the living one; your son is the dead one.’ And the first woman said, ‘No, your son is the dead one; my son is the living one.’ So they continued to argue before the king.” Key Observation Two contradictory claims cannot both be true. This single verse thrusts Solomon into a situation that demands discernment grounded in God’s wisdom. Principles for Seeking Truth • Objective truth exists – John 17:17: “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” – The verse shows each woman insisting on her version of reality; Scripture affirms that only one aligns with what actually happened. • Bring every matter under God-ordained authority – Romans 13:1 reminds us that governing authorities are established by God. – By standing “before the king,” the women submit their dispute to Solomon, whom God had gifted with wisdom (1 Kings 3:12). • Speak plainly and testify honestly – Ephesians 4:25: “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully.” – Each mother states her claim without evasive language, illustrating that clarity is essential when truth is on the line. • Seek divine wisdom to test competing claims – James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God.” – Solomon’s impending test (vv. 24-28) models prayer-saturated discernment that cuts through deception. • Examine evidence instead of emotions – Proverbs 18:17: “The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.” – Initial assertions can sound convincing; wise judgment seeks corroborating facts, as Solomon does by observing each woman’s reaction. • Let sacrificial love expose reality – 1 John 3:18 links truth with genuine action. – The true mother is revealed when she prefers losing her son to seeing him harmed (v. 26), proving that authentic love aligns with truth. Putting These Principles into Practice • Anchor every belief in the unchanging Word of God. • Submit disputes and doubts to godly counsel and biblical authority. • Speak truthfully even when contested. • Pray for discernment, test claims, and weigh evidence. • Watch for self-giving love; it often signals the presence of genuine truth. Living by these principles safeguards us from deception and aligns us with the God who “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). |
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