1 Kings 3:16-4:19
You’ve heard it said that the proof is in the pudding. Although recently our son Justin pointed out that the original saying is “the proof of the pudding is in the eating.” We understand this to mean that the truth of something must be judged by its results. Solomon had asked the LORD for wisdom and understanding (literally a hearing heart), and God granted it to him. But how was it evidenced? It is interesting that the Holy Spirit could have first pointed to all the proverbs Solomon wrote or to the wise way he administered his kingdom. Instead we are giving the story of two disputing prostitutes.
The mere fact that this case reached Solomon’s court is interesting. Why would the king of Israel hear such a case? Why wasn’t it judged by a lower court? It is likely that another judge had heard it but didn’t know what to do, so the matter was brought to Solomon.
The prostitutes lived together and each gave birth to a son. During the night, one of the mothers lay on top of her son and killed him. But while the other one was sleeping, she switched babies. Now they both claimed that the living one belonged to them. After hearing the dispute, Solomon ordered that a sword be brought and the living child divided in two, giving each woman half! Immediately the child’s mother intervened and said, “No, give him to her, but do not take his life!” But the other prostitute said, “He will be neither yours nor mine. Divide him in two!” So Solomon wisely discerned that the first woman was the mother and gave her the living child.
“When all Israel heard the king’s decision, the people were in awe of the king, for they saw the wisdom God had given him for rendering justice.” (1 Kings 3:28, NLT)
This is a noble illustration of the principle that faith without works is dead. Are we wise? Do we have understanding? Then the proof of the pudding will be in the eating. People will see our wisdom in how we conduct our lives and the choices we make. May God help us not only to possess wisdom but to practice it as well in our everyday lives.