Two women who were harlots were living together and gave birth within three days of each other. When one child died in the night, the babies were switched, and suddenly, as one woman looked at the dead baby next to her, she realized it wasn’t her baby at all. They came to Solomon to settle their dispute. There were no eyewitnesses to the crime, and because these women were harlots, the babies’ fathers would not surface.

“Bring me a sword,” Solomon declared, “and we will cut the living child in two, giving half to each woman.”

Solomon’s answer was absolutely brilliant for it was designed to unequivocally determine the rightful mother. You see, a true mother will never tolerate division. A true mother would sooner never see her baby again than to have it divided in any way. Thus, the true mother was immediately and indisputably identified as the one who was willing to give her child away. Be it in a marriage, a family, or a church body, division always leads either quickly or eventually to one thing: death. May we be as committed to unity as this mother was.

How wise of Solomon to call for a sword. The Word of God is quick and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). Therefore, if you’re involved in counseling, sharing with friends or neighbors, or giving advice to people in need, the first words out of your mouth should be those of Solomon: “Bring me a Sword. Let’s look in the Word.”