Solomon was known for his great wisdom. His petition to the Lord for an understanding heart, was answered with a great blessing. And his discernment in dealing with the two Harlots cemented his ability before the people.
Why was this judgment so defining? It was simple, it didn’t over complicate the issue. It got the parties involved to reveal themselves, showing that the motives of the parties were imperative to addressing the real problem. It didn’t even matter who was the biological mother, the one who cared about the child would be the right mother. Also the fact that they were Harlots was irrelevant; Solomon treated them both with respect and compassion. After this call, all Israel could take heart that, no matter their position they could get access to justice.
I have pondered judgment a lot. What makes a good decision? How can I make better ones?
While I am constantly surprised how often I can get it wrong, some principles have helped me be better in this area.
Be careful how you judge. Your judgment is only as good as your information and when your information changes so too might your judgment.
Along with this thought it is handy to give yourself a way out if it happens that you have got it wrong. Always give yourself and others the opportunity to change (humor is good for this).
When emotions are high – reason is low
Decisions charged with lots of emotion are not likely to be well thought out. Delay an important decision if you can, till you can distance yourself from any strong feelings. Recognize that when others are highly emotional they are likely to also react rather than act.
HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired)
Since emotions play such a large part in decision making. Realize your ability can be impaired by how you feel. If you are anxious, address a basic need like those of HALT to bring you back to a place of balance.
Like Solomon we would do well to ask God for an understanding heart. If we can break down the fears of others and ourselves we will be in a much better position to address the real needs and truly bless all whom we come into contact with.
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| Solomon judges between two harlots |
I once sat down in a conversation with an adult about judging. This person was apologizing to me for unrighteous judgement. They began the talk by telling me something that really changed my entire life. It was, " you should always judge people the first time you see them." I thought that this was an extremely rough thing to say. This person was apologizing to me about wrongly judging me. They continued their first statement by saying " but you must be willing and always open to changing your judgement" After the talk I thought about this a lot! They were right we need to judge. Judgement is a completely nessisary thing that shapes the choices good and bad that we make, and if we judge (accordingly) and leave room for change we can begin to build a better and wiser understanding.
ReplyDeleteThis story really shows Gods compassion and we as, humans can show our love towards our fellow men. Personally, I really need to work on judging people, there has been times where i have been quick to say "I dislike that person", without even getting to know them at all. A peom we analyzed in English 1020 the other day really had me thinking about the many great and beautiful spirits that many people overlook just because of where they are at, or who they are with. The peom refers to 135th street in Harlem, New York. A lot of poverty, drugs and crimes occur in this area, but in this peom it says not to be quick to judge someone who comes from this area. Just because an area is notorious for bad things doesnt mean there isnt wonderful people who are working hard to support their families. "Close your eyes and picture somebody with baggy pants, hat backwards, sid something cool like, Yo thats shizzel. Now open your eyes, who do you picture? A black man? Nope, that was a white woman. If you pictured a black man, shame on you." -Michael Scott, comedian. How true it is that we are fast to make an image of who someone is before they even speak a word. The thing that is so interesting is how, as humans, it is neccessary to sometimes make judgements like this post talks about. Do we stop and help someone with their car? Do they have a gun? Does that person seem like someone who would do this or that? The lesson behind what we talked about in class though is to just take the time to get to know people first.
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