Teaching Notes

The race is set to go, and now the spectators, the fans and the opposing fans come to watch. Did you know when you are running life's race you have these same groups watching you? There are those that come to cheer you on. You hear their voices telling you, you can make it. You have the spectators that simply come to watch you to see if you are going to mess up. And then you have the opposing side (the devil) that comes to try to distract you so that you can mess up. However, if you keep your eyes focused on the race, you can finish strong. (picture by Joselyn L. Williams)

Godly Wisdom

1 King 3:24-28 (The Message)

After a moment the king said, "Bring me a sword." They brought the sword to the king. Then he said, "Cut the living baby in two—give half to one and half to the other." The real mother of the living baby was overcome with emotion for her son and said, "Oh no, master! Give her the whole baby alive; don't kill him!" But the other one said, "If I can't have him, you can't have him—cut away!" The king gave his decision: "Give the living baby to the first woman. Nobody is going to kill this baby. She is the real mother." The word got around—everyone in Israel heard of the king's judgment. They were all in awe of the king, realizing that it was God's wisdom that enabled him to judge truly. - 1 King 3:24-28

Notes: Solomon after requesting from God wisdom, is quickly placed in a situation where he must act upon a situation with wisdom. Two women come before him and say this baby is mine. Solomon's tells them to cut the baby in two parts and give a part to each woman. One woman says, no, let her have the baby but the other one says go ahead. Solomon then makes his decision. He says the true mother was the one that did not want the baby hurt.

Question: Why do you think Solomon used that as his test?

Answer: I do not believe Solomon would truly have hurt the baby but he knew that the love of the true mother would make itself known. He used discernment (Godly wisdom) to know that the mother of the child was the one that could not hurt him. God will give to each of us the ability to know what is right and wrong in every situation we find ourselves in. He will help us to know what people are for us and which ones are against us. He will help you to know if the places you want to go are right or if they are wrong. He will help you know the truth about anything you face. And just as the people marvelled at what happened in Solomon's life because of his wisdom, the same can happen to you.

Prayer: Lord today, give me your wisdom so that I can know what is right and to do it. Help me to help others so they too can find what is right before you. Lord you are the giver of wisdom and understanding. When I come to you and call on you, you will give me what I need.