First Kings 3.28 tells about the outcome of a decision. Solomon saw his influence grow because of that sound decision. Therefore, sound decisions yield influence!
Everyone heard about the king’s decision. As a result, they respected him. Why? Because he had the wisdom of God! First Kings 3.28 paraphrase
The Story
You’ve likely heard this story from First Kings 3.
Two women appear before the king arguing about a child.
First, there are no witnesses to confirm either story. In addition, both women have a questionable character.
What’s a wise king to do?
Well, you know. The ruling is the famous split-the-baby decision.
Today, “split-the-baby” commonly means a compromise at the midpoint of two claims. Unfortunately, that common usage misses the emotional response, from the real mother of the child, which was forced by the threat!
More importantly, what we don’t focus on is the impact the decision had on Solomon’s influence as a leader. In fact, that impact was huge!
Sound decisions yield influence!
Sound Decisions
The verse uses the Hebrew word translated “judgment” to describe the sound decision. In some versions the word is translated “justice.”
My good judgment as a leader leads to sound decisions.
To begin with, according to Proverbs 1.3 good judgment can be learned. However, it assumes I’m teachable.
In addition, Proverbs 2.7-9 says good judgment comes from the wisdom God gives us.
More importantly, in Proverbs 21.3 we read that good judgement is more critical than going through the motions of being religious!
Practical Wisdom
First Kings 3.28 says Solomon had the “wisdom of God.” But, from where? Well, the Lord gives wisdom, as a gift.
In the same chapter we read that God gave Solomon a “wise and discerning character” (1 Kings 3.12).
Thus, the wisdom of God isn’t great intelligence. Also, it’s not quick thinking. It’s discernment!
Leadership Insight
Good judgment is a leadership essential.
Leaders who exercise good judgment will make sound decisions. As a result, their influence goes up!
Personal influence is the power a leader has to drive the organization forward.
Influence works in all directions in an organization.
First, influence works horizontally with peers. Second, it works downward with direct reports. Third, influence works up the chain to superiors.
I believe effective influence moves people toward the goals they have agreed on. Conversely, I don’t believe it’s getting people to do what they don’t want to do.
Influence that isn’t ethical is simply an abuse of power. It’s certainly not going to produce long-term success.
Additionally, my influence as a professional is basically what I would say to, and how I would deal with, a member of my own family. Influence should be that personal and that honest.
Influence and Faith
I believe influence is all about sound character. Most specifically, the character of the leader.
A leader who is a person of faith can make good judgment a matter of prayer. Like Solomon, the leader can ask for the spiritual discernment that’s needed to lead.
Case in point – in First Kings 3.9 Solomon prays for the ability to tell the difference between good and bad.
What happens next? The two women show up! So, be careful what you ask for!
Apparently, asking is only part of the equation. Actually, to develop discernment, I must be thrown into situations where I have to think deeply about what’s in front of me.
Thus, discerning good from bad is, in part, a developed skill.
Knowing good from bad. Now, there’s a critical ability for a leader! Apparently, the skill isn’t all that common!
Sound decisions come from the Lord. Proverbs 29.26 paraphrase
Apply This Today!
Any person of faith can ask God for discernment. You don’t have to be a king!
As a leader, discernment allows me to tell the difference between right and wrong.
Discernment produces good judgment to form sound decisions.
Exercising good judgment is a source of influence.
Therefore, sound decisions yield influence!
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