1 kings 3:16-28

Sermon Title: “True Wisdom from Above”

Text: 1 Kings 3:16–28

Sermon Outline:

1. Wisdom is a Gift from God, Not the Achievement of Man

Key Verse: 1 Kings 3:9, 11–12

“Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people…”

Meaning:

Solomon’s wisdom did not originate from human experience or education, but from God Himself. In 1 Kings 3, God grants Solomon a “wise and discerning mind” in response to his humble request. This wisdom is spiritual understanding applied to earthly living—seeing life through the lens of God’s truth.

Solomon recognized that leadership, especially over God’s people, requires more than intelligence. It requires discernment—the ability to judge between truth and falsehood, good and evil.

Application:

In our own lives—whether leading a home, church, or workplace—true wisdom begins not with our intelligence, but with our dependence on God. James 1:5 reminds us: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God…”

This has strong implications for leadership in the church. Pastors and elders are not called to rely on charisma or cleverness, but on God-given wisdom to rightly divide the Word, shepherd the flock, and protect the sheep from error (2 Tim. 2:15, Acts 20:28).

Illustration:

Just like Solomon, we may find ourselves in situations with no clear human solution—broken families, congregational disputes, complex counseling issues. In such moments, we must follow Solomon’s example and look upward before we act outward. Like Moses’ mother, the true act of wisdom is sometimes letting go in trust that God’s will is better than our own.

2. Wisdom Reveals Truth Through Discernment and Justice

Key Verse: 1 Kings 3:25–27

“Give her the living child, and by no means put him to death: she is his mother.”

Meaning:

Faced with two women and one child, Solomon used spiritual discernment to expose the heart. He didn’t just weigh the words, but tested the affections. The true mother’s love was revealed in her willingness to lose her child to save him, while the false mother’s indifference exposed her heart.

This is a biblical principle: truth is often revealed by love, and falsehood by apathy or selfishness (cf. 1 Cor. 13:6, Jer. 31:20). Discernment is the ability to see beyond appearances—to test motives and measure fruit (Matt. 7:16).

Application:

In our families, churches, and communities, we need gospel-centered discernment. We live in a culture full of lies—about identity, justice, and morality. But biblical wisdom calls us to test everything (1 Thess. 5:21) and seek truth even when it’s costly.

In our churches, this means not confusing sentimentality for truth. It means pastors must lovingly but firmly expose false doctrine and guard the gospel. It also means seeking peace not at the expense of truth, but through it.

Illustration:

This passage has a modern parallel in child custody disputes, where children are often weaponized to hurt the other parent. The woman who was willing to split the child reflects such bitterness. The true mother—like the mother in Solomon’s court—sacrifices her own rights for the good of the child. Love protects, even at a personal loss.

3. Wisdom Balances Justice with Compassion

Key Verse: 1 Kings 3:28

”…they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him to do justice.”

Meaning:

Solomon’s ruling was not only discerning, it was just and compassionate. He upheld the truth, but he did so with tenderness. Justice without mercy becomes cruelty; mercy without justice becomes compromise. But godly wisdom holds both in tension—like Christ, who is “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

This is a powerful reflection of God’s own character—He is just and the justifier (Rom. 3:26). God does not ignore sin, but He also loves deeply and tenderly, like in Hosea 11:8: “My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender.”

Application:

Christian leaders—and all believers—are called to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly (Micah 6:8). In counseling, church discipline, or parenting, we must reflect the heart of God: firm in truth, but warm with love. The cross is the ultimate picture of this: God did not excuse sin, but judged it in His Son—so that mercy could be extended to sinners.

Illustration:

In Solomon’s judgment, he sat not above the people in aloof detachment, but engaged even with two harlots. This reminds us that wisdom and justice are not for the elite, but for all people. Leaders must not discriminate in whom they serve. Christ, the greater Solomon, welcomed prostitutes and sinners—not to affirm their sin, but to redeem them in truth and mercy.

Conclusion: Christ, the Greater Solomon

In Solomon, we see a glimpse of the perfect King, but only a glimpse. Jesus says in Matthew 12:42, “Something greater than Solomon is here.” Christ is the embodiment of God’s wisdom (1 Cor. 1:30). In Him we see perfect discernment, unwavering justice, and unimaginable mercy.

Let us be people who, like Solomon, cry out for wisdom—not for personal gain, but to serve others. Let us parent, lead, and live with hearts full of both truth and compassion, rooted in the gospel of Christ.

Final Cross References to Reflect On:

James 3:17 – “The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason…”

Proverbs 2:6 – “For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

Jeremiah 31:20 – God’s mercy to Ephraim

Genesis 43:30 – Joseph’s compassion for his brother