Besides the first three thinsg we learn about wisdom mentioned last time, we also learn
4. It goes back to first principles
The question here was which woman was the true mother. By focusing on that central question Solomon was able to see that what he needed to do was to reveal the answer to that specific question. Once that was done everything else would fall into place. It is for this that he sought. Too often and in too many areas we are not wise because we are unwilling to go back to basics, back to first principles.
The question here was which woman was the true mother. By focusing on that central question Solomon was able to see that what he needed to do was to reveal the answer to that specific question. Once that was done everything else would fall into place. It is for this that he sought. Too often and in too many areas we are not wise because we are unwilling to go back to basics, back to first principles.
5. It sees that getting at the truth sometimes involves using unconventional means
What a way to deal with the situation! But it worked. Solomon saw he was not going to get anywhere by conventional means. Something powerful and dramatic was necessary. He needed to bring this thing to a head. Somehow the true mother had to be revealed. His method was perfect for that. Somehow we must learn to see things clearly and to be willing to act decisively. Solomon had no intention of having the baby killed, of course, but he pretended that he did. Some would find that sort of sleight of hand objectionable but surely there are contexts, as here, where it is acceptable. We read of the risen Christ himself making as if he was going to continue his journey.
What a way to deal with the situation! But it worked. Solomon saw he was not going to get anywhere by conventional means. Something powerful and dramatic was necessary. He needed to bring this thing to a head. Somehow the true mother had to be revealed. His method was perfect for that. Somehow we must learn to see things clearly and to be willing to act decisively. Solomon had no intention of having the baby killed, of course, but he pretended that he did. Some would find that sort of sleight of hand objectionable but surely there are contexts, as here, where it is acceptable. We read of the risen Christ himself making as if he was going to continue his journey.
6. It is an admirable, awe-inspiring thing
Do not miss verse 28 ‘When all Israel heard the verdict the king had given, they held the king in awe.’ It is certainly an absolutely amazing story. I have often thought about it and I do not think I would have come up with a solution even in a lifetime. But Solomon did. There is something awe-inspiring about wisdom. You think especially of the examples of Jesus’ wisdom. For example the way he answered that question about whether the Jews should pay taxes to Caesar or the way he handled all sorts of potentially difficult questions.
Or think more mundanely of the wisdom of putting a knot in your thread if you are sewing or how to split a chocolate bar between two children – let one cut it in half and the other choose which 'half' to have.
What about the wisdom of having answers ready for sceptics? For example, if the Bible was written by bad men why would they be so keen on such high morals? If it was written by good men, why should they lie about the resurrection?
Do not miss verse 28 ‘When all Israel heard the verdict the king had given, they held the king in awe.’ It is certainly an absolutely amazing story. I have often thought about it and I do not think I would have come up with a solution even in a lifetime. But Solomon did. There is something awe-inspiring about wisdom. You think especially of the examples of Jesus’ wisdom. For example the way he answered that question about whether the Jews should pay taxes to Caesar or the way he handled all sorts of potentially difficult questions.
Or think more mundanely of the wisdom of putting a knot in your thread if you are sewing or how to split a chocolate bar between two children – let one cut it in half and the other choose which 'half' to have.
What about the wisdom of having answers ready for sceptics? For example, if the Bible was written by bad men why would they be so keen on such high morals? If it was written by good men, why should they lie about the resurrection?
The resurrection itself can be established without difficulty once the inadequate alternatives are considered – that Jesus either ‘swooned’ or was replaced by someone else, that the body was stolen either by his disciples or his enemies.
C S Lewis famously pointed out that Jesus was either a liar, a lunatic or the Lord. There are no other real alternatives.
It is God who convinces men, of course, but such arguments have something awesome in their simplicity and power.
It is God who convinces men, of course, but such arguments have something awesome in their simplicity and power.
7. It is something God-given
The verse ends ‘because they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice.’ True wisdom comes from God alone. Man’s wisdom fails. There are many examples of man’s foolish ‘wisdom’. In China in the 1950s Chairman Mao ordered a ‘Four pests campaign’ against fleas, mosquitoes, rats and sparrows. Peasants in many places banged pots and pans to scare sparrows away from crops. Terrified of landing, the birds died of exhaustion. The unforeseen upshot was that many more locusts lived than would otherwise have been the case, leading to several plagues, the loss of many crops and the death of millions.
Or think of the misguided animal rights activists who, in 1998, set free 6,500 mink from a farm in the south of England, leading to the deaths of many domesticated and wild animals and birds, including some rare species. There have been other similar incidents.
Other examples abound. The First World War was to have been ‘The war to end all wars’. Despite much optimism at one time, universal education and better housing in Western Europe have not served to improve moral standards.
The verse ends ‘because they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice.’ True wisdom comes from God alone. Man’s wisdom fails. There are many examples of man’s foolish ‘wisdom’. In China in the 1950s Chairman Mao ordered a ‘Four pests campaign’ against fleas, mosquitoes, rats and sparrows. Peasants in many places banged pots and pans to scare sparrows away from crops. Terrified of landing, the birds died of exhaustion. The unforeseen upshot was that many more locusts lived than would otherwise have been the case, leading to several plagues, the loss of many crops and the death of millions.
Or think of the misguided animal rights activists who, in 1998, set free 6,500 mink from a farm in the south of England, leading to the deaths of many domesticated and wild animals and birds, including some rare species. There have been other similar incidents.
Other examples abound. The First World War was to have been ‘The war to end all wars’. Despite much optimism at one time, universal education and better housing in Western Europe have not served to improve moral standards.
Babies born with Downe’s syndrome were once called Mongols because of a bizarre, unscientific and racist understanding of embryonic development.
More controversially, the theory of evolution and the extensive use of prison as a means of punishment in the last hundred years can be cited as further examples of man’s folly.
What insight do we gain into Christ’s wisdom here?
Always we want to see Christ in the Scriptures and as Solomon is a type of Christ we end the chapter by briefly drawing attention to four qualities of Christ that come out in this passage. These qualities are seen now in part but will especially be evident on the final Day of judgement when he judges the world. Remember (2 Cor 5:10) We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due to him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
1. He is able to discern the truth
Like Solomon Christ has the power of perceiving the truth. It is not possible to pull the wool over his eyes. Though many attempt it, he cannot be fooled. God is not mocked. One day ‘God will judge men’s secrets through Jesus Christ’ (Rom 2:16).
2. He is able to bring about justice
Like Solomon Christ the great Judge is more than able to establish justice. The Judge of all the world, for that is who he is by the Father’s appointment, will do right. 1 Cor 4:5 ‘He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts.’
3. He will be gracious to the good
This incident must have led to great relief and consolation for the woman who almost lost her baby owing to the folly and dishonesty of another. Similarly, there is a great day of consolation coming for all who look to Christ. He will not fail us. Rom 2:7, 10 ‘To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honour and immortality, he will give eternal life.’ There will be ‘glory, honour and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.’
This incident must have led to great relief and consolation for the woman who almost lost her baby owing to the folly and dishonesty of another. Similarly, there is a great day of consolation coming for all who look to Christ. He will not fail us. Rom 2:7, 10 ‘To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honour and immortality, he will give eternal life.’ There will be ‘glory, honour and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.’
4. He will expose the evil nature of the wicked
For the other woman this was the end of the road. She had clung to a lie in order to find comfort and relief. In the end, her folly and dishonesty are exposed. So it will be at the Judgement for all who have sort to live dishonest and wicked lives. Rom 2:8, 9 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
For the other woman this was the end of the road. She had clung to a lie in order to find comfort and relief. In the end, her folly and dishonesty are exposed. So it will be at the Judgement for all who have sort to live dishonest and wicked lives. Rom 2:8, 9 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
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