Even Miriam Webster recognizes the wisdom of the biblical King Solomon.

It defines a Solomonic decision as one marked by notable wisdom, reasonableness, or discretion,

especially under trying circumstances. You'll encounter no more trying circumstance than what's

recorded in the first book of kings, the third chapter, in which King Solomon resolves a vexing

case.

Two mothers have each given birth.

One baby lives, the other dies.

Both mothers lay claim to the living child.

It falls to Solomon to serve as a single justice Old Testament Supreme Court

to pronounce a binding decision.

Who is the real mother? In the night, this woman's child

died because she lay upon it. Wherefore, she removed my son from beside me while I slept

and laid her dead child against my bosom. She lies. I do not lie. That's Jill Brenner as the

king. The film is Solomon and Sheba from 1959.

When I looked at the child in my arms, I knew it was not the son that I did bear.

It was her own child and none other.

The living child is mine. The dead is yours.

The dead is yours, the living mine.

Bring the infant forward.

Draw your soldiers, Iyer.

Divide the child into two parts.

Give half to the one woman, half to the other.

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