*Advice on living a humane and compassionate life.

According to text in the Bible, King Solomon had spoken with God and asked for divine wisdom. As time passed by, King Solomon was approached by two mothers. Both women resided in the same house, both bore children three days apart from one another, and they were both alone in the home together. When the women came to Solomon, one implored, "...she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom. And when I rose in the morning to give my child suck, behold it was dead: but when I had considered it in the morning, behold, it was not my son, which I did bear."

To that, the other women retorted, "no, but the dead is thy son, and the living is my son."

And there stood King Solomon wondering what he was to do to settle the dispute. Since neither mother would mourn the dead child, whilst claiming the living as her own, Solomon was inspired by a quick resolution. Certain that the true mother of the child would find reason, he said, "bring me a sword," and a sword was brought to the king, and he continued, "Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other."

Immediately, the true mother spoke up, "O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it."

The false mother then added, "let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it."

Based upon Solomon's clever analogy, he was able to determine which woman was the true mother of the living child. Giving the real mother her child, the second woman left empty handed.

Because the wisdom of God was within King Solomon to do judgement, Israel feared him from that day on.

But what is the true moral of this story? At what cost - what sacrifice, are we, as human beings willing to make to gain justice, or peace for that matter?

In modern times, families and friends can easily become foes at the drop of a dime - given the right circumstances. All too often, the family unit is quickly losing ethical bonds due to monetary gain or loss. Whether a parent, grandparent or other significant family member passes away, I find that even close-knit family members become vulturous carnivores who are quick to sever ties in the stead of money. Rather than giving up monetary gain, the green-eyed monster takes over and gnashes its teeth at its own branches.

Sadly, it happens way too much in today's society. Logically, the rational and "better" person rises above the situation (as in the story of King Solomon and the two mothers), sacrificing the prize as opposed to greedily and savagely destroying it (and all relationships concerned). If individuals would practice the teachings of an age-old tale, perhaps this world would be a much happier, loving and peaceful place. Some thoughts to ponder...

05/2004 Ancient Wisdom - Can it Still be Applied Today?
by C. Bailey-Lloyd/LadyCamelot