How should we respond to situations involving deceit, as seen in 1 Kings 3:19? The Scene: Two Mothers, One Tragic Night “During the night this woman’s son died because she lay on him.” (1 Kings 3:19) • Two mothers, both prostitutes, each had an infant. • One child died; the bereaved mother secretly exchanged the lifeless infant with the living one. • The deception reached Solomon’s court, where God‐given wisdom unmasked the lie and restored the living child to his true mother (1 Kings 3:24-27). What God Shows Us About Deceit • Deceit is deliberate and destructive; it always seeks personal advantage at another’s expense. • God is never fooled. “A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who pours out lies will perish.” (Proverbs 19:9) • Divine wisdom exposes darkness. Solomon’s discerning heart reflected God’s own hatred of lies (Proverbs 6:16-19). How We Should Respond to Deceit • Seek heavenly wisdom first. James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God… and it will be given to him.” • Verify facts patiently. Solomon listened to both mothers before acting—an example of Proverbs 18:13. • Confront with truth, not retaliation. Ephesians 4:25: “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully…” • Uphold justice with courage. Solomon risked tension by ordering the sword, trusting God to reveal the real mother. • Guard personal integrity. “Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old self with its practices.” (Colossians 3:9) • Leave final judgment to God. Psalm 37:5-6 assures that He will “bring forth your righteousness like the dawn.” Scripture Echoes Reinforcing the Lesson • Psalm 101:7—liars cannot dwell with the Lord. • Acts 5:1-11—Ananias and Sapphira show deceit’s deadly seriousness. • Proverbs 12:19—“Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.” Practical Steps for Everyday Life • Invite the Holy Spirit to search your heart daily (Psalm 139:23-24). • Build relationships where honesty is expected and modeled. • When lied to, respond with calm facts, not emotion-driven accusations. • Encourage accountability—wise counselors, written agreements, clear communication. • Celebrate truth publicly; let children, coworkers, and friends see integrity honored. Encouragement for the Truth-Lover God vindicated the innocent mother and preserved her child. He still champions the truthful and brings hidden things to light. Hold fast to integrity; the God who guided Solomon stands ready to guide you. |
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