Solomon – the wisest of men

Two Mothers, One Baby

King Solomon is known as the wisest man who ever lived. The most famous example of his wisdom is in the story of two prostitutes who each claimed the same baby was theirs. When Solomon suggested the baby be divided in two, the first woman consented while the second refused. Solomon cleverly determined the second woman - who preferred the child live and be given to her rival – was the real mother.

What Solomon asked from God

What is remarkable here is Solomon’s ability to judge fairly. Rather than jumping to conclusions, Solomon reveals the truth with a brilliant test. This gift was given to him as a child. God appeared to him and asked what wish he would like granted. Rather than asking for material wealth, Solomon responded, “give your servant a discerning mind to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong” (1 Kings 3:9).
  

Open your heart and listen

Throughout his life, Solomon’s greatest quality was his “discerning mind.” In Hebrew this is lev shomea לֵב שֹׁמֵעַ, a “listening heart”. The secret to Solomon’s wisdom was his willingness to open his heart and listen. To really understand the Bible, you need an open mind and heart that is ready to listen. Enroll in our live online courses and study the Scripture the way it was always intended: in the original Hebrew.