TWO harlots, who lived in the same house and each had a baby, went to the king to resolve on whose child was the living and the dead one. In the presence of the king, both women claimed the living child as belonged to them and the dead one to the other. To settle the dispute, the king ordered the living child to be cut in two and give half to one harlot and the other half to the other. The woman, however, who was the real mother pleaded to the king not to kill the child but rather gave to the other woman, who was delighted that the baby will be ripped apart. Consequently, the king ordered that the living child would be given to the woman who wants him live for she is the real mother! (1 Kings 3:16-28) Wisdom is ìthe ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting.î Wisdom isnít simply intelligence or knowledge; it is the ability to use these to think and act in such a way that common sense prevails and choices are beneficial and productive, said Jack Wellman.
According to Confucius: “By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.” Moreover, the fear of the Lord said King Solomon, is the beginning of wisdom, and all who obey Godís commandments will grow in wisdom. (Proverbs 9:10). The fear of the Lord is the continual awareness that God is watching and evaluating everything we think, say, and do. Hence, though a person may not be unschooled but fears the Lord he is a person of wisdom. On the other hand, when someone claims to be wise he is a person who lacks wisdom and needs one.
Undeniably, wisdom is indispensable in our daily living. Thus, we are instructed to get wisdom because it is better than rubies, and all the things we may desire cannot be compared with her (Proverbs 8:11). Just like King Solomon, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you.” (James 1:5)