When this dispute between the two mothers was brought before Solomon, we might have expected him to inquire of God to tell him which woman was the child’s mother. That would have been simple, but it seems that God gave Solomon wisdom so that he would be empowered to make the right decisions for himself. Solomon had asked God for wisdom to manage just such situations as these. Now he has an opportunity to apply that wisdom, which, as we see here, he does very successfully. God does not want to spoon feed you every decision you have to make in life. Certainly, as I have said earlier in this edition of Thrive, pray for God’s guidance if you feel clouded in your decision making. It is important that we ensure that our decisions are in line with God’s will for us. But more important than asking God to lead you to the right decision is to pray for wisdom to make good decisions consistently. God wants us to walk freely in his will and to know, from the depths of our being, what is good and bad. He doesn’t want us to live by rules but by his Spirit within us who gives light and wisdom to our decision making. God wants us to share in his wisdom, and, if we ask for it, he will give wisdom to us joyfully. God wants to empower his people with what is needed to live well. As James says: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (1:5).
Ask God to give you wisdom.
Read 1 Kings 3:16-28
