The Wisdom of King Solomon

Long ago, in the land of Israel, there lived a young king named Solomon. He was the son of the great King David. When Solomon became king, he felt the heavy weight of responsibility on his shoulders. He ruled over a large kingdom filled with people of different needs, hopes, and problems. Though Solomon was rich and powerful, he knew that ruling wisely was far more important than ruling strongly.

One night, after offering prayers and sacrifices to God, Solomon lay down to sleep. In his dream, God spoke to him and said, “Ask for whatever you want, and I will give it to you.” Solomon was amazed. He could have asked for long life, great wealth, or victory over his enemies. But instead, he humbly replied, “I am young and do not know how to lead these people. Please give me a wise and understanding heart, so that I may judge your people fairly and know right from wrong.”

God was pleased with Solomon’s request. He said, “Because you have asked for wisdom and not for riches or power, I will give you wisdom greater than anyone who has lived before or will live after you. And I will also give you wealth and honor.”

Soon, Solomon’s wisdom became known throughout the land. One day, two women came to the king with a strange problem. They both lived in the same house and each had given birth to a baby. Sadly, one baby died during the night. Now, both women claimed that the living child belonged to them.

The women argued loudly before the king. There were no witnesses, no proof, and no way to know the truth. The court fell silent as everyone waited for Solomon’s judgment. After listening carefully, Solomon called for a sword. “Cut the living child in two,” he said calmly, “and give half to each woman.”

The crowd gasped in shock. But suddenly, one woman cried out, “Please, my lord, give her the baby! Do not kill him!” The other woman said coldly, “Let him be neither mine nor hers.”

At once, King Solomon stood up and declared, “Give the baby to the woman who wanted to save his life. She is the true mother.” Everyone in the court was amazed. They realized that Solomon’s wisdom came not only from knowledge, but from understanding the human heart.

From that day on, people from distant lands came to hear Solomon’s wise words and judgments. He ruled with fairness, kindness, and wisdom, and his kingdom lived in peace and prosperity.

Moral of the story: True wisdom lies not in power or wealth, but in humility, understanding, and a desire to do what is right.