What role does God’s wisdom play in resolving disputes, as seen in 1 Kings 3:21? Setting the Scene: 1 Kings 3:21 “On the third day after I delivered, she also gave birth. We were alone in the house; there was no one with us, just the two of us in the house.” • One baby, two mothers, zero witnesses—human evidence is nonexistent. • The verse highlights the perfect stage for God’s wisdom to shine: an unsolvable problem by human means. God’s Wisdom: Where It Comes From • 1 Kings 3:9—Solomon asked, “Give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil.” • Proverbs 2:6—“For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” • James 1:5—God gives wisdom “generously to all without finding fault.” What Wisdom Does in a Dispute • Exposes hidden truth – With no witnesses, Solomon’s God-given insight drew out each woman’s real heart (vv. 23-27). • Protects the innocent – The living child ends up with the right mother; justice is served (v. 27). • Restores order and reverence – “All Israel heard of the judgment…and they feared the king, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice” (v. 28). • Models divine characteristics – James 3:17: “The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle…full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” Principles for Today • Seek God first when facts are fuzzy; His wisdom pierces confusion. • Listen for motives, not just words—true wisdom discerns the heart (Hebrews 4:12). • Aim for solutions that protect the vulnerable; that’s always God’s priority. • Let every ruling or relational decision point back to God’s character of justice and mercy (Micah 6:8). Key Takeaways • 1 Kings 3:21 underscores that when no human witness exists, divine wisdom supplies the missing evidence. • God’s wisdom is available, practical, and perfectly suited to resolve even the thorniest conflicts. • Embracing that wisdom today turns impossible standoffs into testimonies of God’s just and compassionate rule. |
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