The story of King Solomon and the two mothers is a testament to Solomon's wisdom and is found in 1 Kings 3:16-28. This narrative begins with two women, both prostitutes, coming to Solomon for judgment. Each had recently given birth, but one of the infants tragically died during the night. The mother of the deceased child, driven by her grief, swapped her dead baby with the living child of the other woman while she slept. Upon waking and discovering the dead infant beside her, the second woman realized the child was not hers and that the living child was her own. However, the first woman disputed this claim, leading to an impassioned argument between the two over the living child's maternity.

Presented with this complex situation, Solomon faced the challenge of discerning the true mother without any witnesses or evidence. Demonstrating his God-given wisdom, Solomon proposed a harrowing solution: he ordered the living child to be cut in two, with each woman receiving half. This decree was a test, not an actual order to harm the child. The real mother's love was immediately apparent, as she pleaded with Solomon to spare the child's life and give him to the other woman instead. In contrast, the other woman agreed to Solomon's initial decree, revealing her lack of maternal bond to the child.

Solomon's insight into human nature and maternal instinct led to the unveiling of the truth. He declared the woman who showed compassion and willingness to sacrifice her claim as the true mother. Solomon's decision not only resolved the dispute but also illustrated his profound wisdom and justice, earning him widespread respect and admiration throughout Israel. This story is often cited as an exemplary display of judicious wisdom and the ability to discern the truth in complex situations.