biblical teaching about problem solving

Interlinear
More ▼

16 Bible Verses about Problem Solving

Most Relevant Verses

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Nun. Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.

If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will express my riddle on the harp.

“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Be angry, and yet do not sin ; do not let the sun go down on your anger,

This was because an extraordinary spirit, knowledge and insight, interpretation of dreams, explanation of enigmas and solving of difficult problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Let Daniel now be summoned and he will declare the interpretation.” Then Daniel was brought in before the king. The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Are you that Daniel who is one of the exiles from Judah, whom my father the king brought from Judah? Now I have heard about you that a spirit of the gods is in you, and that illumination, insight and extraordinary wisdom have been found in you. read more. Just now the wise men and the conjurers were brought in before me that they might read this inscription and make its interpretation known to me, but they could not declare the interpretation of the message. But I personally have heard about you, that you are able to give interpretations and solve difficult problems. Now if you are able to read the inscription and make its interpretation known to me, you will be clothed with purple and wear a necklace of gold around your neck, and you will have authority as the third ruler in the kingdom.”

Bible Theasaurus

Problem ( 11 instances )
Solving ( 2 instances )

Thrive In 5: Intellectual – A Biblical Pattern for Problem Solving

Dr. Eric Hallett | August 15, 2023 | Blog Education & Clergy Development Thrive in 5

A Biblical Pattern for Problem Solving

As Pastoral leaders, we often encounter a myriad of problems that test our resilience, problem-solving skills, and ability to adapt. Whether they arise in our personal lives, academic pursuits, or mission endeavors, ministry problems can be daunting. However, by understanding and embracing a Biblical pattern of problem-solving, we can navigate these hurdles with greater confidence.

Here are five steps for problem-solving based on the life of Moses.

Engage Reality. The first step in addressing any problem is acknowledging its existence. Instead of avoiding or denying the problems we face, it is crucial to engage the reality of the situation. In Exodus, Moses was seeking to lead and protect Israel. But he had to face the reality of his failure when he murdered an Egyptian, a failure that resulted in a greater risk to his own people. In our ministries, we encounter problems that are beyond our ability, and it is vital we recognize this reality. My favorite quote on this topic comes from Max Depree in The Art of Leadership where he writes: “The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality”. What is a seemingly impossible problem you are facing in your ministry?
Escape Pressure: When faced with a problem, it can be tempting to fixate on the negative aspects. Seeking perspective, however, allows us to broaden our understanding and find alternate viewpoints. It may seem counterintuitive, but seeking perspective is facilitated when pressure is minimized. Moses may have been escaping Egypt to save his own life, but spending time in the wilderness also relieved the tension and enabled him to gain perspective. Author, Robert Fritz, in the book, Your Life as Art, recommends looking at problem solving through the image of a rubber band in tension. “In the beginning of our creative process there is a contrast between our desired state (our vision of the outcome we want to create) and our current situation (where we are now in relationship to that outcome). If we are successful, at the end of the creative process the desired state and the current state are the same, ending the contrast and resolving the tension.” Consider how you will escape pressure in order to seek perspective.
Embrace the “Aha”. As a pastor, I found the development of sermons to be a repeating problem or challenge. Author, Eugene Lowry in his book, The Homiletical Plot, writes about the “Aha” moment in sermons but there is also an “Aha” moment in developing sermons. When you have the “Aha”, the whole project of preparation shifts from finding the idea to developing the idea. Moses was given one of the greatest “Aha” moments in history at the ‘Burning Bush.’ The impossible problem of liberating Israel shifted from Moses having no solution to knowing the path for success. God is the one who solves our problems when we engage reality and escape pressure giving God space to meet us and show us the way forward. Pray for God to show you solutions with Moses-style ‘Aha’ moments.
Execute the insurmountable with courage. Moses received his instructions at the burning bush, but he still had to act in obedience and respond to God’s guidance. He still faced multiple setbacks, but he endured because God provided the solution to the problem. As pastoral leaders, it is our privilege to act once God shows us the path either through His Word, one of His saints, or through the Holy Spirit. Rather than viewing setbacks as failures, perceive them as learning opportunities. What is an action you can take today in obedience to God’s direction?
Enjoy The New Reality. Too often as Pastors, we experience victory over a problem or challenge and don’t take time to celebrate. When Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt and across the Red Sea, it was a time of celebration. The songs of triumph were sung and recorded for all time. This is the value of testimony and taking time to witness to brothers and sisters in Christ. God is sovereign and He is our problem solver when we follow His Biblical pattern. Take time today to celebrate a problem God has solved through you and for you by giving a public testimony this week.

For more information on the resources in this Five to Thrive see the following:

DePree, Max. Leadership Is an Art. Doubleday Business, 2004.

Fritz, Robert. Your Life as Art. Newfane Press, 2003.

Lowry, E. L. (2000). The homiletical plot. Westminster John Knox Press.

Intellectual contributor: Dr. Eric Hallett, district superintendent of the Central Canada District of The Wesleyan Church.

Executive editor: Johanna Rugh

Curator of content: Carla Working

Tags Thrive in Five , Thrive in 5 , Thrive in 5 Intellectual , Dr. Eric Hallett , A Biblical Pattern for Problem Solving

Wesleyans in the news: August 29
Learning as Practical Divinity: Wesley’s Vision for Holistic Education
Thrive In 5: Physical – Bone Health
Called to Preach: Wesleyans Plan for PreacHer Sunday 2024
Deepening Connection through Theological Conversations

ApplyGodsWord.com

The Teaching Ministry of Mark Ballenger

Biblical Problem Solving

Biblical problem solving revolves around our relationship with God. The bigger your view of God, the smaller your problems become. Problems are produced not in what happens to us, but in on our unmet human expectations.

Biblical Problem Solving: Problems Are Different than Sins

Biblically, problems are different than sins. Problems are things like mistakes, issues, annoyances, or external complications needing to be solved. Sins are offenses against God and people by breaking commands found in the Bible.

Our interpretation of our outer circumstances is what will define something as a problem or not. To the house painter, the rain is a problem. To the farmer, the rain is a blessing. Reality is reality. We can’t change how the cookie crumbles in our lives. But our perspective and interpretation of reality is where problems are truly produced.

Problems arise in our life when circumstances make us feel we do not have the ability to accomplish what we want. When your car breaks down, it is a problem because you need to drive the kids to school, go to work, and pickup groceries on the way home. When your boss overlooks you for a promotion, it is a problem because you feel unappreciated and disrespected when you want to feel the opposite. These types of things are not sin in our life, per-say. How we respond to these problems, however, is what can lead to sin.

Biblical Problem Solving: How You View God Will Shape How You View Your Life

The more you try to be your own God, the quicker you will sin when dealing with even the smallest of problems. Humans were not designed to handle the stress of being the ultimate authority on anything. Therefore, when we try to be Lord of all, we grow fearful, and the fear manifests as sinful anger. The source of our fear is rooted in the fact that we are trying to accomplish a job we know we are not fit to accomplish. When we know we are soon to fail at solving a problem, frustration leading to sin is always the result.

James 4:1-2 explains, “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel.” In other words, our unmet expectations cause us to respond in sinful ways. We want what we want because we want to be God. Perhaps this is why in just a few verses later James adds, “‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4: 6-7).

The only biblical solution to the stress we cause ourselves by trying to be God is to give God his rightful place in our lives, humbly submitting to him as the supreme authority to do whatever he thinks is best. To know, believe, and live as though God is in complete and utter control of everything, including our largest and minutest problems, is to give yourself the peace to handle the worst things that can ever happen on planet earth. James goes as far to say that we should have no expectations for the things outside of our human control:

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” (James 1:13-17)

Biblical Problem Solving: Peace Begins with Believing in God’s Sovereignty

Earthly problems grow smaller the more heavenly minded we are. Some would argue that we can become too heavenly minded and lose our earthly effectiveness. It’s true that we must always be aware of becoming so lost in thought we lose focus of the practical needs of people set before us every day. But to lose focus of God while being consumed with “doing good” is to be crushed by the all endless needs of this world. Because the world’s condition is so beyond our ability, the only way to be useful and not crushed is to be servants to the God of the universe, not servants to the universe’s needs.

When the Master of all is truly our master and we know we are but servants sent to do only a part of the work which he is wholly responsible for, only then will we be free from the paralysis that happens to limited creatures when confronted with limitless problems. Like a computer that’s given too many tasks at once without the power to support the requests, we will be frozen and useless if we try to do more than we were designed for.

Perfectionism and pride, manifesting in the belief that we must solve every problem ourselves, produces a paralysis where we do nothing because we know we cannot do everything. When we know we are unfit to be God, we give up even trying to be a useful human because we are so overwhelmed at what we know we can’t do rather than focusing on the smaller things we can do.

Biblical Problem Solving: An Eternal Perspective Trumps Our Personal Problems

If we hope to be effective on earth, we must be transfixed with the higher things of God. We can go on proclaiming what matters for eternity despite our temporal problems only when we see God for the GOD he is. He reigns forever – before, during, and after every earthly problem.

Earthly problems are put in their proper place when our hearts are set on heaven, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:1-3).

Only a big view of God and his awesome power will give us the peace and self-control we desire when confronted with earthly problems. Biblical problem solving starts with an accurate view of God’s sovereignty. A small perspective of God produces big problems.

Published by

Mark Ballenger

ApplyGodsWord.com is the writing ministry of Mark Ballenger. To reach Mark, send him an email anytime: [email protected] View all posts by Mark Ballenger

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

JourneyOnline

Solving Life’s Problems

Finding solutions – a christian approach.

The Lord has filled my heart with joy; how happy I am because of what he has done! . . . how joyful I am because God has helped me! (1 Samuel 2:1 TEV)

How could a woman with such problems be the same one who spoke the words of 1 Samuel 2:1? She took her problems to God. She made a commitment that God had been waiting to hear. The commitment brought peace to her heart even before her problems were solved. “She went away, ate some food, and was no longer sad” (1 Samuel 1:18 TEV). Later, the Lord gave her the son she had so long desired. Her life began to turn around when she took her problems to the Lord.

Solve The Sin Problem First

The greatest problem any of us will have to solve is the sin problem—and there is a solution! In Lesson 1 we read several Scriptures which tell us that all have sinned, that no one is righteous, and that we are all guilty before God for our sins. We also saw that the penalty for sin is death—eternal separation from God.

Before we can approach our other problems from the right perspective, we must first solve the sin problem. Before we can help others find solutions to the problems they face, we must show them their need to solve the sin problem in their life. Jesus Christ is the only answer to that problem. We come to Him and receive forgiveness through confession and belief. We maintain our relationship to Him as our Lord and Savior through obedience.

Confession includes being willing to admit that we are sinners, being sorry for our sins, and agreeing that we will stop sinning. It is also an acknowledgment that we want Christ to be the Lord and Master of our lives. It is a willingness to entrust our lives completely into His hands.

With Christ’s death upon the cross and His resurrection from the dead, God completed His redemption plan so that man might be restored to fellowship with Him. Christ became the covering for our sin. His resurrection was an essential part of the plan. In 1 Corinthians 15:17, 21-22 we read these words:

And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile [hopeless]; you are still in your sins. . . . For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.

When we acknowledge that Christ has won the victory over death and the grave, we also acknowledge that He has provided a way for us to receive forgiveness for our sins, and to gain victory over them. We believe that He has power to help us overcome temptation and to live a godly life. We also believe that He will direct our lives as we put our trust in Him, and that He will prepare us for eternal life in heaven with Him.

Once we have confessed our sins and acknowledged Jesus Christ as our risen Lord and Master, we must live a life of obedience to Him and His Word. This is the way we show our love for Him. Jesus emphasized the importance of obedience in His words to the disciples (John 14:15,21,23): “If you love me, you will obey what I command . . . Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. . . . If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching.”

Let The Bible Be Your Guide

After we become Christians, we do not look for just any solution which will get us out of a hard place. We look for solutions from God’s Word that are consistent with the Christian way of life. The ways in which a Christian believer solves his problems are very important.

First, a Christian is committed to a life of obedience to Jesus Christ. Therefore, all possible solutions must be examined in the light of Scripture, and especially the teachings of Jesus and His disciples. Many Scriptures are clear on the subject of right and honorable actions. Solutions contrary to Scripture must be rejected!

Second, the Bible is God’s operations manual for us. When a manufacturer sells a piece of complicated machinery, he provides an operations manual, a set of instructions which explain how to keep the machine in good working order. These instructions must be followed if the machine is to work properly. In a similar manner, people were made by God, and He knows what it takes to make human life successful. The Bible is the “operations manual” that He has provided. To scorn (reject) or ignore God’s stated instructions is to invite trouble and problems.

It would be impossible to list here all of the Scriptures which deal with the way we should live. As we proceed with this course and discuss specific problems, we will see what the Bible has to say about them. But some general guidelines are found in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) and in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5–7) which we want to consider briefly.

The Ten Commandments

There is a popular teaching that says, “Since Christ paid the penalty for our sin, we are no longer under the Law, and have complete liberty to live as we choose.” It is true that Christ has set us free from the bondage of sin, but examine His words in Matthew 5:17-18:

Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.

Christ did not do away with the moral Law of God, but He does give us the power to be obedient to the Law. Take time now to read Exodus 20:1-17 and Matthew chapters 5 through 7. You will see that Christ expects His followers to be careful observers of His commandments, and to go even a step further in determining to avoid those things which might lead to disobedience.

God did not give us these commandments because He wants to make us His slaves. He gave them to us because He knew that obeying them would help us to avoid many problems and have happy, fulfilled lives.

The “Be” Attitudes

One day I heard a conversation about a woman who had moved several hundred miles away from her original home. One person said, “Mrs. White moved there because she was so unhappy.” “She will still be unhappy there,” replied the friend, “because she had to take herself along!”

The friend spoke an important truth. If your attitude is wrong, no outside solution to a problem will be of permanent help. But when you approach your problem with the right attitude, you can expect victory over the problem, whether the desired solution comes or not.

Jesus had much to say about attitudes. The Beatitudes, which are part of His Sermon on the Mount, have often been called the “be attitudes” because they describe what we should be.

If you studied the first course in this series, Christian Maturity by Rick Howard, you have already considered the teaching of the Beatitudes (1980, p. 152). They are recorded in Matthew 5:3- 10. These are the attitudes of heart and character which the Holy Spirit will produce in believers who allow Him to do so.

Love Is The Key

Throughout the Scriptures, love is given as the key to finding solutions for problems. Once someone asked Jesus, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” (Mark 12:28). Here is His answer (Mark 12:29-31):

“The most important one . . . is this: . . . ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

Just think of all the problems that could be avoided if we would determine to show the kind of love described by Paul! That is the attitude God wants us to have, and if we have it we don’t need to worry about breaking the Law. In Romans 13:8-10 the apostle Paul expressed this:

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellow man has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself” Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

We have just briefly illustrated in this section how the Bible gives us guidelines for problem solving. You will want to refer back to these references as we proceed through the course, and we will continue to look into the Scriptures to find answers for specific problems. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles are rich in practical instruction for our everyday lives, and we can gain much by reading God’s Word daily and applying the truths in it to our own situations.

Use Your Other Resources

Prayer and Holy Spirit Guidance

In this very personal ministry to you, God Himself will help you solve your problems. You can take them to God in prayer and He will either show you the solution so that you understand what you must do, or He will work in circumstances so that the problem is solved in other ways. To have this kind of relationship with God, establish the habit of communicating often with Him!

John 16:13 promises that the Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth. You can also count on the Holy Spirit to direct your daily path. He will always direct you according to biblical principles.

Your word is a lamp to guide me and a light for my path. I will keep my solemn promise to obey your just instructions (Psalm 119:105-106 TEV).

To frequent prayer, offered with praise and thanksgiving, must be added obedience. We have talked about obedience before. Did you notice in the Psalm you just read that the Psalmist connected light for his path to the fact that he was going to keep his promise to obey God’s instructions? Answered prayer and obedience go hand in hand. Impossible problems can be solved through prayer!

Common Sense and Reason

God has given each of us a certain capacity for considering obvious facts and making a judgment. He must expect us to use this ability. You probably use common sense and reasoning to solve many problems every day. In fact, it becomes such a familiar process that it may be overlooked.

For example, a friend of mine had a problem with children in her neighborhood. Seven of them had gotten into the habit of coming into her yard every morning to play with her two children, and often they would stay the whole day. First she considered all the facts:

1. It was good to have her own children nearby so that she knew what they were doing.

2. Her children needed to be with other children often.

3. Having so many children in her yard all day was often unpleasant, or inconvenient for her.

There are several common-sense solutions to this problem. My friend used her common sense to limit the amount of time the children could visit in her yard. She chose a simple solution to the problem.

We also experience times when God’s solution to one of our problems might indeed be quite uncommon! He might lead you in ways that would not be easy for other people to understand. Nevertheless, for most of the ordinary situations of life, common sense and our ability to reason are important problem-solving tools.

Conscience and Self-Control

Conscience is the word we use to name that inner voice or “feeling” that tells us what is right or wrong. Sometimes your conscience can be a tool in helping you solve your problems. I must say sometimes, because if you have ignored your conscience, its messages may be unclear. This sad possibility is taught in Romans 1:18-32. The pattern is explained in verse 28: “Because those people refuse to keep in mind the true knowledge about God, he has given them over to corrupted minds . . . ” (TEV). Your conscience is misused when it sends out warnings that you continue to ignore.

If you ask the Holy Spirit to guide you, and if you are obedient to His teaching, you can depend upon your conscience to warn you about those things which are wrong. The person who is sensitive to the warnings of his conscience will feel guilt when he has done wrong, and he will want to ask God for forgiveness. Keep your conscience sensitive by paying attention to its inner warning voice! Then it can be a useful tool in helping you solve your problems. It will help you to know which solutions to reject.

There are three areas where self-control is necessary in order to avoid problems or solve existing problems which we have brought upon ourselves. They are the control of thoughts, speech, and behavior . I have linked them with conscience, because your conscience will warn you when you are weak in any of these areas.

Thoughts are the roots of spoken words and outward acts. Jesus taught that murder has its roots in angry thoughts and words; adultery begins with thinking unclean thoughts (Matthew 5:21-30). Your thoughts are in your direct control. You can refuse to dwell on thoughts that will lead to trouble. Follow the teachings of Scripture:

“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).

One way to put good thoughts into your mind is to read books that will inspire and help you. There are many good Christian books that give us insight into the problems and experiences of other Christians. When I read such books and learn how God has brought guidance to others in solving their problems, I can be encouraged that He will also guide me. A Christian should be very careful in his selection of books, magazines, television or radio programs, and other forms of entertainment, so that he can control his thoughts carefully.

Control of speech is probably the most difficult task for all of us. The apostle James tells us in James 3:2, “If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check [control].” Read verses 3 through 12 in this chapter. These verses emphasize what a deadly weapon the tongue can be. Surely it can cause us a great deal of trouble if we do not control it.

Here are some results of an uncontrolled tongue:

1. Separates friends (Proverbs 16:28): “A gossip separates close friends.”

2. Causes deadly wounds (Proverbs 18:8): “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts.”

3. Causes discord among brethren (Proverbs 6:16, 19): “There are six things the Lord hates . . . a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.”

Once you have learned to better control of your thoughts and speech, you will also be able to better control your behavior . In all of this, you need the help of the Holy Spirit, because your sinful nature would lead you to do that which is wrong. The apostle Paul recognized this. He discussed it in Romans 7:18-19, and 24-25:

I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil that I do not want to—this I keep on doing . . . What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Other People

Friends and caring people. You might begin by seeking out a wise and godly friend (one who can be trusted to keep a confidence). Friends have the advantage of not being emotionally involved in the problem. Since they are outside the situation, they can look at the problem from a different angle. Their advice should always be according to scriptural teaching.

Christian friends can often be a blessing to one another in this way. Prayer groups, Sunday school classes, and other small groups within the church can share together and pray together. I have seen wonderful solutions to problems come as a result of united prayer by a caring church family.

On the other hand, you can be the friend that someone else needs. I hope your study of this course will help you to be more sensitive to the needs of others, and better able to help them find solutions to their problems.

Professional counselors . There are some problems so serious or complex that God’s best way of helping us is through the advice of someone with special knowledge or training. Medical or psychological problems often need this kind of specialized help. There are delicate or sensitive matters that should not be shared with friends; they may not have enough knowledge to help you find the best solutions.

In such cases, expert advice should be sought from a caring pastor, professional Christian counselors, doctors, or others who have made the area of your concern their special study. God can use their judgments just as He can use yours. Be sure to choose a Christian counselor, or one who will not oppose the Christian principles by which you live.

I Made A Decision

Jesus offers you forgiveness and a new life. Let us know about your decision.

I Have A Question

Questions are good! Let us know your thoughts or concerns and we’ll connect with you.

I Need Prayer

If you would like someone to pray for you, click the button and we’ll connect with you.

Sign Up for Daily Lessons to Feed Your Spirit

Journey devotionals.

Problem-Solving

The first principle of problem solving is to get the facts. It's in the Bible , Proverbs 18:13, TLB. "What a shame—yes, how stupid!—to decide before knowing the facts!"

The second principle of solving problems is to be open to new ideas. It's in the Bible , Proverbs 18:15, TLB. "The intelligent man is always open to new ideas. In fact, he looks for them."

The third principle of problem solving is to hear both sides of the story. It's in the Bible , Proverbs 18:17, TLB. "Any story sounds true until someone tells the other side and sets the record straight."

How does God want us to respond to problems? Realize that problems are inevitable and grow as a result of them. It's in the Bible , James 1:2-4, NIV. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Problems are confirmation that we are being prepared for heaven. It's in the Bible , II Thessalonians 1:5, TLB. "This is only one example of the fair, just way God does things, for He is using your sufferings to make you ready for His Kingdom."

How can we handle problems? God can help us with them. It's in the Bible , Psalm 145:14, NIV. "The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down."

Jesus can sometimes free us from burdens and problems. It's in the Bible , Matthew 11:28, NIV. "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Trust that God's ultimate purpose for your life is good. It's in the Bible , Romans 8:28, NIV. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."

Hard time solving your problems? God will help. It's in the Bible , James 1:5, TLB. "If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask Him, and He will gladly tell you, for He is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask Him; He will not resent it. But when you ask Him, be sure that you really expect Him to tell you, for a doubtful mind will be as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind; and every decision you then make will be uncertain, as you turn first this way, and then that. If you don't ask with faith, don't expect the Lord to give you any solid answer."

Trust in God rather than self for guidance. It's in the Bible , Proverbs 3:4-6, TLB. "If you want favor with both God and man, and a reputation for good judgment and common sense, then trust the Lord completely; don't ever trust yourself. In everything you do, put God first, and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success."

Problem Solving

Bible verses for problem solving.

Life can be filled with challenges and difficulties, and it's natural for us to seek guidance and support when faced with problems. As Christians, we can turn to the Bible for wisdom and advice on how to navigate through our struggles. In this article, we will explore some powerful Bible verses that can help us in problem-solving, providing comfort, and strengthening our faith in God's ability to guide us through tough times.

1. Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." ‍ When faced with a problem, our first instinct is often to rely on our own understanding and knowledge. However, this verse reminds us that we should place our trust in God and rely on His wisdom. By submitting to His guidance, we can be assured that He will lead us on the right path and help us overcome our difficulties.

2. Philippians 4:6-7 - Pray for Guidance and Peace

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." ‍ It's easy to become overwhelmed by our problems, but this verse reminds us to turn to God in prayer. By presenting our requests to Him and expressing gratitude, we can find peace and reassurance that He is in control. This peace surpasses human understanding and will guard our hearts and minds in times of turmoil.

3. Matthew 7:7-8 - Ask, Seek, Knock

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." ‍ When we're faced with problems, it's crucial to actively seek God's guidance and wisdom. This verse encourages us to ask, seek, and knock, as God promises to provide answers to those who earnestly seek Him. Keep praying and searching for God's help, and you'll find the solutions you need.

4. James 1:5 - Ask for Wisdom

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." ‍ Wisdom is crucial for problem-solving, and God is the ultimate source of all wisdom. This verse encourages us to ask God for the wisdom we need to navigate through our challenges. He promises to give generously, without judging us for our shortcomings, and help us make wise decisions.

5. Romans 8:28 - All Things Work Together for Good

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." ‍ Even when facing problems, we must remember that God is in control and working towards our ultimate good. This verse reassures us that, as long as we love God and follow His purpose, He will use our challenges and struggles to bring about something positive in our lives.

In times of difficulty and uncertainty, the Bible provides us with powerful verses to guide us through problem-solving. By trusting in God, praying for guidance, seeking His wisdom, and remembering His promises, we can face our challenges with confidence and find the solutions we need. Remember that God is always with you, and He will never leave you nor forsake you as you navigate through life's problems.

Don't stress about the future alone. Try the Christian Companion App.

Ready to deepen your understanding of the Scriptures and connection with God? Download our app today and embark on a transformative spiritual journey. Join us now and unlock the profound wisdom of God's Word.

What does the Bible say about trusting in God for problem-solving?

Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding. Instead, we should submit to God in all our ways, and He will make our paths straight. This verse teaches us to place our trust in God and rely on His wisdom when faced with problems. By doing so, we can be assured that He will lead us on the right path and help us overcome our difficulties.

How can we find peace when faced with problems?

Philippians 4:6-7 instructs us not to be anxious about anything, but to present our requests to God through prayer and thanksgiving. By turning to God in prayer and expressing our gratitude, we can find the peace of God, which transcends all understanding. This peace will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, providing reassurance that God is in control even in times of turmoil.

What should we do when seeking solutions to our problems?

Matthew 7:7-8 encourages us to ask, seek, and knock when looking for answers to our problems. God promises that those who earnestly seek Him will receive answers, find what they're looking for, and have doors opened to them. By continually praying and searching for God's help, we can find the solutions we need.

How can we obtain wisdom for problem-solving?

James 1:5 tells us that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault. Wisdom is essential for problem-solving, and God is the ultimate source of all wisdom. When we ask God for the wisdom we need to navigate through our challenges, He promises to give generously and help us make wise decisions.

How can we be reassured that God is working for our good when faced with problems?

Romans 8:28 states that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose. This verse reassures us that, as long as we love God and follow His purpose, He will use our challenges and struggles to bring about something positive in our lives. Even when facing problems, we must remember that God is in control and working towards our ultimate good.

We have the perfect verse for every situation in your life.

Please download our Bible Chat: Christian Companion for the following... ‍ ✅ Bible Verse lookup ✅ Daily devotionals ✅ Personalized prayers ✅ Life guidance based on the Bible ✅ Answers to questions when you don't know who else to ask ‍

Bible teaching about problem solving

The Bible teaching about problem solving can be extremely helpful as we navigate the challenges of life. Life simply involves making one decision after another. Let us learn how to do it successfully. Here’s how.

Let me start with the example of Nehemiah, then draw several principles from his experience that will make this important process more efficient for you and me.

Nehemiah's Background

After years of settlement in the Promised Land where Moses had led the enslaved Jews out of Egypt, the Jews again found themselves in 70 years of captivity by a people known as the Babylonians who overrun Jerusalem in 586B.C. Years later, a gifted Jew, Nehemiah, advanced to a top position in the Persian government who had toppled the Babylonian kingdom. Under the Persian King, Cyrus, the Jews had begun to trickle back to Jerusalem and their homeland.

Jerusalem and the temple were in ruins, and God placed it on Nehemiah’s heart to rebuild Jerusalem. From his project, recorded for us in the Bible book of Nehemiah, we can see how he solved the problem of rebuilding the city walls. You and I can use the same process.

Identify the Problem

The first step in the Bible teaching about resolving issues is to identify the problem. Nehemiah inquired into the condition of the Jerusalem and the Jews there. He discovered that, “The remnant there in the province who survived the captivity are in great distress and reproach, and the wall of Jerusalem is broken down and its gate are burned with fire” (Jeremiah 1:2, 3).

When you and I approach a situation, we can ask questions such as, “What is wrong? What are the symptoms/conditions? What should the situation be like? Who is affected? We should get as many facts as possible, then weigh them carefully. The clearer we define the problem, the better our solution.

The task we need to tackle might be low grades in school, a business down turn, marital strife, career change – the list goes on.

Prayer is Needed

Nehemiah wrote that he, “sat down and wept and mourned for days; and I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven” (Nehemiah 1:4). Surely, in faith we must approach God for wisdom, direction, and strength (cf. James 1:5-6).

In our humility, we need to capture God’s perspective on matters.

Identify the Causes

The Bible teaching about making good decisions reveals that Nehemiah identified several causes of Jerusalem’s plight. They were spiritual (1:6-9), discouraged, leaderless people, lack of resources, and local opposition (1:3; 2:7-10).

You and I can seek answers to questions like, what are the causes of the problem? Are other interest groups involved? What are the barriers to solutions? When did the problem happen? Where did it happen? How did it occur? Who was involved? What result came from what activity? Continually ask who, what, where, why, when, and how questions.

Sometimes there may be several interconnected causes; sometimes there might be one key cause. It is to your advantage to honestly look at as many possible causes as you can. Sometimes it is hard to look at causes.

For example, perhaps the reason a families’ finances are in shambles is because one spouse spends too much money. It will be a big hassle to confront the spouse; consequently, the real cause is avoided.

Identify Several Possible Solutions

In the Bible teaching about problem solving, Nehemiah had several options. He could have done nothing, appointed a group to go try to get the local Jews moving, or make a deal with Sanballat and Tobiah the local leaders who opposed the Jews.

However, he carefully considered before God what to do.

In these first steps of problem solving, brainstorming is critical. You must keep your mind open to any and all the information and ideas you can gather. Consider all the interest groups involved and their legitimate interests, think of ways to make it a win-win situation for all the players, be creative, and come up with as many solutions as you can.

Pick the Best Solution

Sooner or later, you must choose what you think is the best solution. First, evaluate each proposed problem solving solution. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each position. Combine the best features of several solutions to perhaps come up with new approaches to this problem solving process.

As you evaluate each solution, be sure to apply this last question, “If I choose this solution, what is it I am going to get that I don’t want, and can I live with it?”

Nehemiah chose to approach the king and secure the resources and permission to fix the problem in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:4, 5). He took action, and made a decision.

Devise and Implement a Plan

The Bible teaching about problem solving indicates the need for a careful plan. In this step you must determine a definite goal and identify the specific steps to reach the goal. Answer the questions such as, “What are the actions to take, and when, how and where will the action take place. Who will be involved? How can the chosen solution best be translated into action? How can I get the resources? What is the time schedule?”

From Nehemiah 2:6 and onward, you can study the story of how Nehemiah carefully put together a plan, overcome challenges, made modifications, and achieved his goal. We must plan our work, and work our plan – just like he did.

The writer of Proverbs said, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty” (Proverbs 21:5).

The Bible teaching about problem solving teaches that evaluation is necessary.

It makes sense, doesn’t it? How will we ever know if the problem is solved if we do not investigate?

Regular, periodic inspections or checkpoints need to be placed into your problem solving plan.

Timely feedback is needed. That way you can make any required corrections in the plan as it unfolds.

However, there needs to be a final evaluation to determine what worked, and what can be improved the next time around.

We can detect Nehemiah’s careful eye to detail in his problem solving and evaluation, “So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of the month Elul, in fifty-two days” (Nehemiah 6:15).

As we have seen, the Bible teaching about problem solving can be extremely helpful as you and I navigate the challenges of life – which are many and constant.

All the best to you, and may God richly bless you in your study.

Dr. Willis and Esmie Newman

Bible Study Questions

1. What are the biggest problems you face in life?<br>

2. Choose one of the problems you have identified.<br>

3. Following the steps outlined in this Bible teaching about problem solving, how would you proceed to solve your selected problem?<br>

4. Based on Nehemiah’s example, how would you pray about problem solving?

5. When young King Rehoboam took over from his father, King Solomon, he was confronted with a problem. What mistake did he make in his decision making effort? 1 Kings12:1-20.

6. What advise did the writer of Proverbs make in problem solving (Proverbs 20:18; 24:6).

7. Read the Bible teaching about problem solving in Acts 15:1-40, and try to identify as many steps of the problem solving process as you can.

8. In this study about the Bible teaching about problem solving, what stands out to you the most? Explain.

Table of Contents
NBA DIPLOMA
Bible Answers Part 1
Bible Answers Part 2
Mission opportunities
Dr. Newman's BLOG
Foreign translations
E-Bookstore
Recommended Sites
NBA Library

Recent Articles

Newman bible academy: dploma in bible studies.

Feb 10, 24 11:11 PM

Sexual fantasies in marriages between spouses

Dec 19, 23 09:14 AM

Lot escaped and Abraham lied

Aug 14, 18 05:13 PM

FAVORITE PAGES

NEWMAN BIBLE STUDY HOUR PODCASTS

FREE BIBLE STUDY TOPICS

NEWMAN BIBLE ACADEMY

DR. NEWMAN'S ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS PART 1 and PART 2

CHRISTIAN FOUNDATIONS

MISSION OPPORTUNITIES: WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!

HELP SUPPORT THIS MINISTRY

To give towards this ministry, click the DONATE button below and follow the prompts. You do NOT need a PayPal account to give. Newman Ministries International, Inc. is a registered non-profit organization 501(c)3, and your gifts are tax deductible as the law allows.

New! Comments

God's Purpose Behind Your Problems

Rick Warren

Share This article

My troubles turned out all for the best. They forced me to learn from your textbook. Truth from your mouth means more to me than striking it rich in a gold mine. Psalms 119:71-72 Close Psalms 119:71-72 My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees. Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) (Msg)

Life is a series of problem-solving opportunities. The problems you face will either defeat you or develop you - depending on how you respond to them.

Unfortunately, most people fail to see how God wants to use problems for good in their lives. They react foolishly and resent their problems rather than pausing to consider what benefit they might bring.

Here are five ways God wants to use the problems in your life:

1. God uses problems to DIRECT you - Sometimes God must light a fire under you to get you moving. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change. Is God trying to get your attention? "Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways." Proverbs 20:30 Close Proverbs 20:30 Physical punishment cleanses away evil;* such discipline purifies the heart. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) (GN)

2. God uses problems to INSPECT you - People are like teabags if you want to know what's inside them, just drop them into hot water! Has God ever tested your faith with a problem? What do problems reveal about you?

When you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience. ( James 1:2-3 Close James 1:2-3 Dear brothers and sisters,* when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) , NCV)

3. God uses problems to CORRECT you - Some lessons we learn only through pain and failure. It's likely that as a child your parents told you not to touch a hot stove. But you probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we only learn the value of something - health, money, a relationship - by losing it.

It was the best thing that could have happened to me, for it taught me to pay attention to your laws. ( Psalms 119:71-72 Close Psalms 119:71-72 My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees. Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) , LB)

4. God uses problems to PROTECT you - A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something more serious. Last year a friend of mine was fired for refusing to do something unethical that his boss asked him to do. His unemployment was a problem - but it saved him from being convicted and sent to prison a year later when his boss actions were uncovered.

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good . ( Genesis 50:20 Close Genesis 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) , NIV)

5. God uses problems to PERFECT you. - Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. God is far more interested in your character than your comfort. Your relationship to God and your character are the only two things you're going to take with you into eternity.

We can rejoice when we run into problems they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. ( Romans 5:3-4 Close Romans 5:3-4 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) , LB)

Here's the point: God is at work in your life - even when you do not recognize it or understand it. But it's much easier and profitable when you cooperate with Him!

About The Author

Rick Warren is the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, CA., a congregation that now averages 16,000 in attendance each weekend. Rick is also author of The Purpose Driven Life and The Purpose Driven Church, and founder of Pastors.com, a global Internet community for those in ministry. More

You are signing up to receive general newsletters from CBN. By signing up, you are consenting to our privacy policy . You can specify preference after sign-up and opt out at any time.

Popular Resources

In The Midst of Tragedy: Trust

Where God Met Me

Dear Students, Dear Me

[POPULAR] Labor Day Sermon

Solving Problems God's Way: Part 6 Steps To Solving Problems God's Way
View on one page
Download Sermon Slides
Download Sermon Graphics
Download (PDF)
Download Sermon (Word Doc)
Copy sermon

Solving Problems God's Way: Part 6 Steps To Solving Problems God's Way Series

Contributed by eldron gill on mar 24, 2008 (message contributor).

Scripture: James 1:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Summary: Solving Problems God’s Way: Part 6 Steps To Solving Problems God’s Way

Solving Problems Part 6 – Steps To Solving Problems God’s Way

James 1:1-8

The words “Solving problems God’s way” suggests there is more than one way to solve problems.

* There is God’s way and man’s way.

* There is a right way and wrong way.

* We get into a rut in the way we solve problems.

-- We approach problems the same way every time.

-- We develop a consistent response to problems.

-- The problem is that it’s often the wrong response.

* Too often our response to problems is based on human logic rather than Scripture.

Ex. – Jesus & feeding of 5000 - Mark 6:35-44

-- Problem = no food for everyone to eat

-- Logical response #1 – Send them home and let them eat there (v. 36a)

-- Logical response #2 – Go to the grocery store and buy 200 penny worth of food (v. 37)

* It never entered into the minds of the disciples that Jesus could solve the food problem a totally different way.

* This morning I want us to get down to the nuts and bolts of solving problems God’s way.

* Let’s take a look at the steps to take to solve problems God’s way!

--An attitude to embrace

--4 things to remember when problems are encountered

--4 steps to take when problems are encountered

I. An attitude to embrace Jam. 1:2-4

A) The attitude 1:2

*Jas 1:2 Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides.

* Count it a privilege!

* Here is an attitude of acceptance and not rejection.

* Don’t have the attitude that this is going to hurt me, but that it’s going to help me.

* Too often our attitude is, "Oh no, here comes another trial (problem)!"

* Rather than joy, it’s groaning and complaining.

* James is asking us to take another look and gain a different perspective.

* Problems are not to be dreaded; that’s the wrong attitude

* Problems or trials should produce “pure joy” (lit., “all joy”; i.e., joy that is full or unmixed), not just “some joy” coupled with much grief.

* If we are going to get the greatest benefit from our problems our attitude is critical

* Not just "don’t worry, be happy" as the song goes…. We need a basis for this attitude…

B) The advantage 1:3-4

Why be joyful? What’s the reason?

- Because when you receive it, rather than resent it, it will benefit your life.

* There are advantages to problems. They do something inside us.

* "Knowing this"…You already know this, but I’m going to remind you that the testing of your faith will develop patience in you.

BKC – "A test is given to see if a student can pass, not pass out!"

* When God gives us a test, He’s not trying to hurt us, He’s trying to help us.

1) Perseverance is developed in us v.3

2) Spiritual maturity is developed through trials. V. 4

3) Wisdom is gained through problems we experience in our lives. V. 5

II. Things To Remember

A. Remember - I’m Not In This Problem Alone. II Tim. 4:16-17

* I may have caused the problem, I may not… it doesn’t matter – I’m not in this problem alone.

* As a Christian, there is not situation in which we are alone!

* We may FEEL alone (like Job), but we are never alone!

* Ex. Prodigal Son – He was not really alone… solution to problem was at home waiting on him. ( Luke 15:16-17 )

* God doesn’t forsake us when we get into trouble… not even when we bring problems upon ourselves.

* Our tendency is to separate God from our problems…. To go it alone!

* “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

* God is more concerned about your problems than you are!

* 2 Tim 4:16-17 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. (17) Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

* You’re not in this alone, so don’t go it alone!

* Sometimes we have to say, "This is my fault…I messed this up BUT you promised never to leave me."

B. Remember - God is Bigger Than Any Problem I Have.

* Bigger than your spouse, neighbor, enemy, Mother-in-law, Father-in-law, boss, child, parent, …anyone.

* “Is there anything too hard for the Lord?”

* Jesus – miracles- He proved Himself ruler over Satan, demons, disease, & nature!

Related Media

Scriptures: Acts 16:14-31 , Isaiah 26:3 , James 1:1-8 , James 1:2 , James 1:5 , James 1:6 , Job 2 , Luke 15:16-17 , Mark 6:35-44 , Matthew 11 , Numbers 14:1-9 , Proverbs 3:5-6

Sermon Topics: Growth In Christ

Nobody has commented yet. Be the first!

Your Viewing History

Clear & Biblical Preaching
Try PRO Free

Popular Preaching Resources

New Sermon Series Now Available

Everything you need for your next series

AI Sermon Generator

Generate sermon ideas with a safe, secure tool for solid preaching.

Biblical Sermon Calendar

Customizable sermon manuscripts for verse-by-verse preaching

Sermon Research Assistant

Free custom sermon in 5-10 minutes!

Topical Sermon Calendar

Preach with creativity and impact throughout the year

Sermon Kits for Preaching

I Desire Mercy Not Sacrifice

Experiencing the mercy of God in our lives

Ready & Faithful

Looking to Jesus for help now and hope in the future

Why Suffering?

Help your church understand God's plan in pain

To start saving items to a SermonFolder, please create an account.

Solving Problems God’s Way: Part 6 Steps To Solving Problems God’s Way

To save items to a SermonFolder, please sign in to your account

Enter your email address and we will send you a link to reset your password.

Creating your slides…

Creating your graphics…, creating your word document….

How to go to Heaven

How to get right with god.

What does the Bible say about conflict resolution?

For further study, related articles, subscribe to the, question of the week.

Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox!

OpenBible.info Geocoding Topical Bible Labs Blog

What does the Bible say about ?

A ‣ B ‣ C ‣ D ‣ E ‣ F ‣ G ‣ H ‣ I ‣ J ‣ K ‣ L ‣ M ‣ N ‣ O ‣ P ‣ Q ‣ R ‣ S ‣ T ‣ U ‣ V ‣ W ‣ Y ‣ Z

78 Bible Verses about Solving Problems

Philippians 4:13 esv / 57 helpful votes helpful not helpful.

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Proverbs 3:6 ESV / 57 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Philippians 4:6 ESV / 55 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Proverbs 3:5 ESV / 50 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

1 John 1:9 ESV / 22 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

John 3:16 ESV / 19 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

2 Timothy 3:16 ESV / 17 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

John 1:19-25 ESV / 15 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.” ...

1 John 4:19 ESV / 13 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

We love because he first loved us.

John 1:11 ESV / 13 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.

Luke 6:27 ESV / 13 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,

James 1:1-27 ESV / 12 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings. Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. ...

Galatians 5:19-21 ESV / 11 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

John 1:25 ESV / 11 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

They asked him, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”

2 Peter 1:21 ESV / 9 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Joshua 1:8 ESV / 9 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

2 Peter 3:9 ESV / 8 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

John 18:36 ESV / 8 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”

John 3:1-36 ESV / 8 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. ...

Mark 11:22-25 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

Ruth 1:1-22 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They went into the country of Moab and remained there. But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons. These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. They lived there about ten years, and both Mahlon and Chilion died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband. ...

Deuteronomy 18:18 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him.

Numbers 15:13 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Every native Israelite shall do these things in this way, in offering a food offering, with a pleasing aroma to the Lord .

John 14:6 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Matthew 28:20 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 7:7 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

Jeremiah 33:3 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

Isaiah 29:12 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

And when they give the book to one who cannot read, saying, “Read this,” he says, “I cannot read.”

2 Chronicles 7:14-18 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that my name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time. And as for you, if you will walk before me as David your father walked, doing according to all that I have commanded you and keeping my statutes and my rules, then I will establish your royal throne, as I covenanted with David your father, saying, ‘You shall not lack a man to rule Israel.’

Deuteronomy 18:15 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

“The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen—

Revelation 1:1 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,

James 5:16 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

John 1:21 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.”

Luke 1:35 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.

Matthew 11:11 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Colossians 1:1-29 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, ...

Galatians 6:2 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Acts 8:22 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.

Luke 17:3-4 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”

Luke 1:37 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Psalm 50:15 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”

Galatians 6:2-12 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load. Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. ...

1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Romans 12:1 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

John 16:33 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

John 1:24 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

(Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.)

Matthew 18:15-18 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Matthew 17:11-13 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

He answered, “Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

Matthew 7:16-20 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

Matthew 1:18 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.

Isaiah 60:1-22 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Lift up your eyes all around, and see; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried on the hip. Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and exult, because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. ...

Ecclesiastes 1:2 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.

2 Kings 1:1-18 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

After the death of Ahab, Moab rebelled against Israel. Now Ahaziah fell through the lattice in his upper chamber in Samaria, and lay sick; so he sent messengers, telling them, “Go, inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether I shall recover from this sickness.” But the angel of the Lord said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say to them, ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? Now therefore thus says the Lord , You shall not come down from the bed to which you have gone up, but you shall surely die.’” So Elijah went. The messengers returned to the king, and he said to them, “Why have you returned?” ...

2 Samuel 1:1-27 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

After the death of Saul, when David had returned from striking down the Amalekites, David remained two days in Ziklag. And on the third day, behold, a man came from Saul's camp, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head. And when he came to David, he fell to the ground and paid homage. David said to him, “Where do you come from?” And he said to him, “I have escaped from the camp of Israel.” And David said to him, “How did it go? Tell me.” And he answered, “The people fled from the battle, and also many of the people have fallen and are dead, and Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead.” Then David said to the young man who told him, “How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?” ...

Exodus 32:1-35 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people gathered themselves together to Aaron and said to him, “Up, make us gods who shall go before us. As for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.” So Aaron said to them, “Take off the rings of gold that are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.” So all the people took off the rings of gold that were in their ears and brought them to Aaron. And he received the gold from their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool and made a golden calf. And they said, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it. And Aaron made a proclamation and said, “Tomorrow shall be a feast to the Lord .” ...

Exodus 20:25 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

If you make me an altar of stone, you shall not build it of hewn stones, for if you wield your tool on it you profane it.

Exodus 20:13 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

“You shall not murder.

Genesis 25:18 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

They settled from Havilah to Shur, which is opposite Egypt in the direction of Assyria. He settled over against all his kinsmen.

Genesis 17:25 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.

Genesis 17:23 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Then Abraham took Ishmael his son and all those born in his house or bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham's house, and he circumcised the flesh of their foreskins that very day, as God had said to him.

Genesis 16:15 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

And Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael.

Genesis 16:12 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

He shall be a wild donkey of a man, his hand against everyone and everyone's hand against him, and he shall dwell over against all his kinsmen.”

Revelation 1:1-20 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood ...

2 Timothy 1:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Romans 8:28 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Acts 17:30 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,

John 15:5-6 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.

John 14:26 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

John 1:23 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”

Luke 21:15 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.

Isaiah 60:17 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Instead of bronze I will bring gold, and instead of iron I will bring silver; instead of wood, bronze, instead of stones, iron. I will make your overseers peace and your taskmasters righteousness.

Ecclesiastes 8:5-8 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Whoever keeps a command will know no evil thing, and the wise heart will know the proper time and the just way. For there is a time and a way for everything, although man's trouble lies heavy on him. For he does not know what is to be, for who can tell him how it will be? No man has power to retain the spirit, or power over the day of death. There is no discharge from war, nor will wickedness deliver those who are given to it.

Proverbs 18:10 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.

Proverbs 1:19 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of its possessors.

Proverbs 1:1-33 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth— Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, ...

Psalm 24:1-10 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

A Psalm of David. The earth is the Lord 's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord ? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation. ...

Psalm 23:6 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23:1-6 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. ...

Suggest a Verse

Enter a verse reference (e.g., john 3:16-17 ).

Visit the Bible online to search for words if you don’t know the specific passage your’re looking for.

Unless otherwise indicated, all content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License . All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles , a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Contact me: openbibleinfo (at) gmail.com.

Log In Sign Up
Read the Bible
Bible Versions
Verse of the Day
Reading Plans
Verses by Topic
Books of the Bible
Bible Images
Commentaries
Concordances
Dictionaries
Encyclopedias
Bible Atlas & Maps
Devotionals
Today's Devotionals
Light of the World
All Devotionals
Inspirational Quotes
Picture Quotes
Inspirational
Bible Study
What The Bible Says
Bible Q&As
Daily Bread
Bible by Genre
Bible Stories
Random Bible Verse

62 Bible Verses about Problem Solving

Want to know what the Bible says about Problem Solving ? Here are 62 Bible verses about Problem Solving from the Old and New Testaments of the Holy Bible, New International Version ( NIV ) , sorted from the most relevant to the least relevant.

Use the up or down arrow next to each verses to vote for this topic. Your input is important for us to improve it.

Note : Always check the context of a verse; Click the "Read Full Chapter" button next to each verse to read more. The context of a verse might put a very different slant on what the verse seems to say.

Philippians 4:6 NIV

Proverbs 3:5 niv, matthew 18:15-18 niv, philippians 4:13 niv, proverbs 3:6 niv, psalm 50:15 niv, matthew 7:7 niv, mark 11:22-25 niv, 1 john 1:9 niv, john 3:16 niv.

Get Bible verse every day in your inbox

Read on Mobile

Group of Brands

Statement of Faith
Privacy Policy
Terms and Conditions
Permissions Policy
BP ScriptureTagger
VotD RSS Feeds
Article RSS Feeds

6200 2nd St NW Washington, DC 20011

Support Israel in this crisis!

Bible characters , Bible Teachings , Videos & Articles

Solomon’s Wisdom in Creative Problem Solving

Proposing to cut a baby in half is not everyone’s idea of excellent problem solving, but it sure put King Solomon on the map. The story of King Solomon’s wise judgement has gone down in history. What can we learn about creative problem solving in our lives and society from Israel’s wisest king?

Creativity in problem solving has been defined as “the processes that facilitate the generation of a solution that is both novel and appropriate”. 1 Indeed, it is the novelty factor in both the approach and the solution that is the trademark of creative problem solving. Creative problem solving focuses on problems that are complex, ill-defined, and/or involve high levels of ambiguity. 2 This certainly describes well the dilemma brought before the freshly crowned King Solomon.

High motivation and high stakes

As newly anointed king over the twelve tribes of Israel, having replaced his beloved and recently deceased father King David , Solomon would have been eager to establish his status as king. In fact, the previous two chapters record several of the obstacles Solomon encountered on his way to becoming king (the foremost being when his half-brother Adonijah prematurely declared himself king in 1 Kings 1:5-10). Solomon’s motivation to execute justice is further evidenced in his petition to the Lord for wisdom:

“Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” (1 Kings 3:9).

It is significant that Solomon’s request for judicial wisdom immediately precedes the custody dispute, and the connection between the two accounts is emphasized by several contextual links within the narrative itself. 4

There is a degree of cognitive restructuring that takes place within creative problem solving, which allows for contradictions and the removal of fixating influences. 3 The cognitive aspect of problem solving is also evident in the numerous automatic processes that take place when trying to make sense of a problem, including the search for patterns and correlations with past experiences that begins the moment a problem is presented.

3 stages of creative problem solving

It has been suggested that creative problem solving tends to involve three key stages: (1) fact finding, (2) idea finding, and (3) solution finding. 5 The account of Solomon’s judgment appears to follow this basic outline and includes elements of each of the three stages. Specifically, (1) the king listens, (2) cuts to the heart of the matter, and (3) justice is served.

The Biblical text invites the reader to participate in solving the problem by using a narrative strategy of revealing and concealing the identity of the true mother (Garsiel, 2002). The text has thus been included in its entirety, that the reader might enjoy the satisfaction of solving this unusual predicament alongside the renowned King Solomon.

1. Fact finding: The King Listens

Then two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. The one woman said, “Oh, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house, and I gave birth to a child while she was in the house. Then on the third day after I gave birth, this woman also gave birth. And we were alone. There was no one else with us in the house; only we two were in the house. And this woman’s son died in the night, because she lay on him. And she arose at midnight and took my son from beside me, while your servant slept, and laid him at her breast, and laid her dead son at my breast. When I rose in the morning to nurse my child, behold, he was dead. But when I looked at him closely in the morning, behold, he was not the child that I had borne.” But the other woman said, “No, the living child is mine, and the dead child is yours.” The first said, “No, the dead child is yours, and the living child is mine.” Thus they spoke before the king. (1 Kings 3:16-22)

This first section of the text corresponds to the fact-finding stage in creative problem solving and provides the king (and the reader) with quite a bit of information, effectively paving the way to begin conceptualizing the problem.

The facts are these: there are two, unnamed women of questionable repute claiming maternal rights to a single living child. There is a dead child, an alleged coverup, and no witnesses. There has been significant trauma on both sides with the potential of additional future trauma.

The complicated, high-stakes nature of the situation is riddled with ambiguity and ripe for creative problem solving. In the narrative, the women are only referred to as “the one” and “the other,” creating the potential for further confusion between the mothers by the reader throughout the entirety of the text. Furthermore, Solomon is mentioned here only by his title of king (whereas earlier in the same chapter and in the following chapter he is referred to by name). This is reminiscent of his motivation to govern the people with justice, as previously discussed, and designed to emphasize his role as “the royal dispenser of justice”. 6

In these verses, the king’s presence is noted twice: before the women present their cases (v. 16) and after the women finish speaking (v. 22). He listens without interjecting. It is noteworthy that Solomon gives the women opportunity to present their cases without interruption, particularly considering their low social standing. By quietly observing, reserving judgment, and allowing the women to present their cases unimpeded, he avoids potential biases that could hinder creativity and distort judgment.

Listening is an important tool for gathering facts to give Solomon a framework from which to determine the initial state in his creative problem solving process, which is necessary towards being able to identify the desired goal state (i.e., the solution) accurately and effectively. In the instance of Solomon’s judgment, the desired goal state appears to be twofold: 1) establishing immediate justice by returning the child to his rightful mother, and 2) establishing justice on a national level by positioning himself as a rightly discerning king, as previously discussed. The next section will bring the king (and the reader) one step closer to the solution.

2. Idea finding: Cutting to the Heart of the Matter

Then the king said, “The one says, ‘This is my son that is alive, and your son is dead’; and the other says, ‘No; but your son is dead, and my son is the living one.’” And the king said, “Bring me a sword.” So a sword was brought before the king. And the king said, “Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one and half to the other.” Then the woman whose son was alive said to the king, because her heart yearned for her son, “Oh, my lord, give her the living child, and by no means put him to death.” But the other said, “He shall be neither mine nor yours; divide him.” (1 Kings 3:23-26)

In this second section, the king speaks for the first time and paradoxically brings both clarity and confusion: Solomon briefly and objectively restates the problem (v. 23). Then, he is swift to get to the heart of the matter by proposing a single, ridiculous idea: divide the living child in two with a sword (v 25).

The contradictory nature of the king’s command to divide the living child in half required a massive tolerance of ambiguity, which is cognitively necessary when engaging in creative problem solving.

Moreover, this would have required significant self-distancing to reason wisely while withstanding the emotional scene that was certain to unfold. Solomon had no way of guaranteeing how the women would respond. If one of the women had fainted or hesitated in her response to the king’s outrageous idea, it is likely that the story would have taken a different turn. And, as research on the science of wisdom shows, the attribution of wisdom Solomon received depended on the situation’s outcome. 7 Two dead children would not have been considered a satisfactory solution – and unlike the magician’s trick, there is no coming back from a body cut in two .

Nevertheless, the king’s unconventional idea in the form of a test effectively revealed the true mother and the underlying motives of the two women, without the shedding of blood (v. 26). Moreover, the reader has enjoyed the opportunity to experience the ah-ha moment firsthand when the true mother is revealed through the revealing and concealing literary style of the text. The true mother responds out of sacrificial love for the child’s wellbeing, while the other woman responds with malice. Beyond a biological connection, the true mother displays the genuine care of a parent, which is just as important when determining parental rights in a complicated custody case. This additional, previously missing piece of information enables the king to render his judgment.

3. Solution finding: Justice is served

The third and final stage of creative problem solving unsurprisingly entails finding a solution. This phase requires evaluation: was the solution useful? Did the solution satisfactorily bring about the desired goal state? In the case of Solomon’s judgment, the living child is returned to his rightful mother and Solomon’s reputation as a wise, just king is firmly established. The twofold goal state is achieved – justice prevails in the immediate situation and is established on a national level.

Then the king answered and said, “Give the living child to the first woman, and by no means put him to death; she is his mother.” And all Israel heard of the judgment that the king had rendered, and they stood in awe of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him to do justice. (1 Kings 3:26-28)

Solomon’s dignified presence throughout the account in 1 Kings 3:16-28 is an example to those in position of influence in dealing with matters of societal justice. Living in the era of social media and immediate access to information on current events, I propose that we all have a level of influence and responsibility when it comes to issues of justice in our societies. And so, I would leave the reader, and myself, with a few thoughts for reflection:

Do we earnestly desire justice, as Solomon did?
Do we offer our presence, or do we withdraw from engaging in the sticky situations of social justice surrounding us?
Do we respectfully give those who have been wronged the opportunity to speak, without jumping to conclusions, no matter their status in society?
Do we seek creative solutions for the complex issues of justice in our lives and communities?

Solomon’s creative thinking cut through the noise and got straight to the heart of the matter. And in doing so, he leaves us a rich example of how creative problem solving can be used in the pursuit of justice.

Harms, M., Reiter-Palmon, R., & Derrick, D. C. (2020). The role of information search in creative problem solving. Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts, 14(3), p. 368
ibid p.367- 380.
Beda, Z., Smith, S. M., & Orr, J. (2020). Creativity on demand – hacking into creative problem solving. NeuroImage, 216, 116867-116867.
Garsiel, M. (2002). Revealing and concealing as a narrative strategy in Solomon’s judgment (1 Kings 3:16-28). The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 64(2), 229-247.
Vernon, D., Hocking, I., & Tyler, T. C. (2016). A n evidence-based review of creative problem solving tools: A Practitioner’s resource. Human Resource Development Review, 15(2), 230-259.
Garsiel (2002) op. cit. p.235

Photo by Gigin Krishnan on Unsplash

sports-water-bottle-blue-back-64b69c9ad9fa8

March 8, 2021

ONE FOR ISRAEL

Order your 2024 one for israel, prayer calendar.

Wall Calendar 2024 - Pray for Israel, Jewish holidays, biblical calendar

VIDEOS & ARTICLES
BIBLE TEACHINGS
FEASTS & SPECIAL DAYS
MESSIANIC PERSPECTIVE
THE LAND OF ISRAEL
ARABIC MINISTRY NEWS
JEWISH TESTIMONIES (I MET MESSIAH)
JEWISH APOLOGETICS
INSIGHTS FROM HEBREW
WEEKLY TORAH PORTION

“I ordered a New Testament and started to read it”

My story: I started to believe in Jesus thanks to your videos

Bedouin hostage, Farhan al-Qadi, free at last

Bedouin Hostage Farhan al-Qadi is Home Free!!

The whole of Israel erupted with joy when the news broke that

Turin Shroud is Real?! AI Exposes the Image of Jesus

Many thought the Turin Shroud was a fabrication, but scientific study shows

STAY CONNECTED WITH US

Yes, I would like to receive your weekly newsletter email

BLESS ALL ISRAEL WITH JESUS

India Today
Business Today
Harper's Bazaar
Brides Today
Cosmopolitan
India Today Hindi
Reader’s Digest
Aaj Tak Campus

Download App

How does coding enhance problem-solving skills in education?

Learning to code enhances students' problem-solving, logical thinking, and creativity across subjects, preparing them for future academic and career success. integrating coding into education fosters essential skills like collaboration, communication, and critical thinking..

Listen to Story

How does coding enhance problem-solving skills in education?

In this digital age, Coding has become as essential as reading and writing. Interestingly, beyond its core application in computer science, Coding can significantly boost students' understanding of, and performance in, other subjects as well. Students would benefit greatly if schools incorporated coding into their curricula, equipping them with the skills needed for academic success and future careers.

LOGICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS

Mathematics is a subject that often challenges students across the globe. Among its many branches, calculus, especially derivatives and integrals, tends to be particularly daunting for learners. Traditional approaches to mastering these concepts usually involve hours of study, practice, and sometimes even additional tutoring. However, with the advancement of technology, learning math has become more accessible and engaging. One such innovation making waves in the educational tech landscape is the UpStudy Camera Math Solver . This powerful tool not only assists students in solving derivative and integral problems but also helps them understand the step-by-step process involved.

The Rise of AI-Powered Math Solvers

In recent years, AI-driven math solvers have transformed how students approach mathematical problems. Instead of manually working through complex equations, students can now simply snap a picture of the problem and receive instant solutions. The UpStudy Camera Math Solver is at the forefront of this trend. It offers a user-friendly interface combined with advanced mathematical algorithms, making it a go-to resource for students, educators, and even professionals.

What is the UpStudy Camera Math Solver?

The UpStudy Camera Math Solver is an app designed to assist with a wide range of mathematical problems, particularly those involving derivatives and integrals. What sets it apart from other math solvers is its ability to recognize handwritten or printed equations through a simple photo capture. The app then processes the problem and provides not only the solution but also a detailed breakdown of each step.

Key Features of the UpStudy Camera Math Solver

Camera-Based Equation Recognition : The app’s primary feature allows users to snap a picture of any mathematical equation, whether it’s written on paper, a whiteboard, or even a textbook. The advanced recognition technology accurately identifies symbols, variables, and complex functions.
Step-by-Step Solutions : Understanding how to reach the final answer is just as important as finding the solution itself. UpStudy excels in this area by breaking down each step of the problem-solving process, providing explanations that help students grasp the concepts involved in derivatives and integrals.
Comprehensive Problem Coverage : The UpStudy solver covers a broad range of calculus problems, from basic differentiation and integration to more advanced techniques like chain rule, product rule, and integration by parts.

How the UpStudy Solver Simplifies Derivatives

Derivatives form the foundation of calculus and are crucial in understanding rates of change, slopes of curves, and optimization problems. The UpStudy Camera Math Solver simplifies the process of finding UpStudy Derivative Solver by offering:

Automatic Differentiation : Users can take photos of complex functions, and the app automatically computes the derivative.
Detailed Explanations : The solver provides clear and structured explanations for rules like the power rule, chain rule, and quotient rule.
Application of Concepts : By showing step-by-step solutions, students can see how derivative rules apply in different contexts, enhancing their overall understanding.

Mastering Integrals with UpStudy

Integrals can be challenging due to the variety of techniques involved in solving them, such as substitution, integration by parts, and partial fractions. The UpStudy Integral Solver demystifies by:

Offering Multiple Solution Paths : For complex integrals, the app may provide different methods of solving the problem, allowing students to explore various approaches.
Step-by-Step Decomposition : The solver breaks down the integral-solving process into manageable steps, ensuring that students understand each part of the solution.
Real-World Applications : By integrating graphing and visualization tools, the app connects integral concepts to real-world scenarios, making the learning process more relatable and engaging.

Conclusion: A Game-Changer for Calculus Students

The UpStudy Camera Math Solver is more than just a tool for finding answers—it’s a comprehensive learning resource that empowers students to master derivatives and integrals. By combining AI-driven problem-solving with intuitive explanations and interactive features, the app is transforming the way calculus is taught and learned. As educational technology continues to evolve, tools like UpStudy are leading the charge in making math more accessible, understandable, and even enjoyable.

Exploring egypt’s timeless wonders: a guide to nile cruises.

Introduction Few experiences can match the allure and mystique of a Nile River cruise in Egypt. This voyage is not just a journey along the world’s longest…

Discovering the Nile: A Journey of Luxury and History

Introduction Embarking on a luxury Nile cruise is more than just a vacation; it is an exploration of one of the world’s most storied rivers, a journey…

Best Programming Language to Learn in the Digital Age

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the choice of the best programming language to learn is crucial for both aspiring and seasoned developers. As technology continues to…

What can you teach with a PTLLS qualification?

The PTLLS qualification was one of the foundation teaching qualifications in the UK to get entry-level teaching roles. However, PTLLS qualification is no longer available as the…

Health Insurance For Expats: What You Need To Know

Embarking on an expat adventure is undeniably exciting, offering opportunities for personal and professional growth. However, it’s essential to sort your health and well-being amidst the excitement….

Should You Use Venmo or PayPal to Collect Rent?

Using PayPal or Venmo for Rent Collection — Is it a Good Idea? As time passes and technology improves, our society moves further toward cashless payments for …

SUGGESTED TOPICS
The Magazine
Newsletters
Managing Yourself
Managing Teams
Work-life Balance
The Big Idea
Data & Visuals
Reading Lists
Case Selections
HBR Learning
Topic Feeds
Account Settings
Email Preferences

Team-Building Activities for In-Person Teams

Last week, we outlined team-building activities for remote and hybrid teams. But what about when you work in person? Here are some proven ways to bring people closer—even when they’re already working together every day. Recurring lunches. Sharing a meal fosters relaxed interactions, signaling the organization’s investment in unscripted, enjoyable team time. Exchanging expertise. Implement […]

Source: This tip is adapted from “17 Team-Building Activities for In-Person, Remote, and Hybrid Teams,” by Rebecca Knight

Partner Center

IMAGES

16 Bible verses about Problem Solving
Journey Into Biblical Problem Solving (1 Corinthians)
60 Bible Verses About Problem Solving (KJV)
Bible Verses About Problems In Life and The Answers You Need
16 Bible verses about Problem Solving
Unleashing the Power of Biblical Problem Solving, Dr G Barry Dailey

VIDEO

Problem Solving-Disk charge
Problem Solving In The Church
The Baby Dilemma Resolved
The Biblical Way to Deal With Troubles in Life
Problem solving idea
2Kings 4:1-7God's way of solving the problem.தேவனுடைய சித்தபடி பிரச்சினைகளுக்கு தீர்வு

COMMENTS

What Does the Bible Say About Problem Solving?
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Christian Principles of Problem Solving
Christian Principles of Problem Solving If you were in prison, surrounded by armed guards and deprived of your freedom to come and go as you pleased, you would probably say that you had a problem—or even several problems! You would most likely feel that the best solution for the problem would be freedom!
16 Bible Verses about Problem Solving
Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, Daniel 5:12-16. This was because an extraordinary spirit, knowledge and insight, interpretation of dreams, explanation of enigmas and solving of difficult problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Let Daniel now be summoned and he will declare ...
Lesson 16: Solving Problems in the Church (Acts 6:1-7)
To sum up: To solve problems in the local church, both leaders and people must be spiritual people in submission to God's Word. Since seven is the biblical number of perfection, I want to give you seven principles for problem solving in the church, derived from our text. First, what do I mean by "spiritual" people?
Thrive In 5: Intellectual
As Pastoral leaders, we often encounter a myriad of problems that test our resilience, problem-solving skills, and ability to adapt. Whether they arise in our personal lives, academic pursuits, or mission endeavors, ministry problems can be daunting. However, by understanding and embracing a Biblical pattern of problem-solving, we can navigate these hurdles with greater confidence.
Biblical Problem Solving
Biblical Problem Solving. Key Bible Verses: Psalm 115:3, Matthew 6:25-34. Biblical problem solving revolves around our relationship with God. The bigger your view of God, the smaller your problems become. Problems are produced not in what happens to us, but in on our unmet human expectations. Biblical Problem Solving: Problems Are Different ...
28. Problem Solving
28. Problem Solving. By the time of Nehemiah, the political, social and spiritual conditions of Jerusalem were in shambles. Sometime around 587 BC, Jerusalem was destroyed, along with Solomon's temple. This was the third Babylonian campaign into Judah, and each time the Babylonian armies took more and more Israelites captive, resettling them ...
Finding Solutions
The friend spoke an important truth. If your attitude is wrong, no outside solution to a problem will be of permanent help. But when you approach your problem with the right attitude, you can expect victory over the problem, whether the desired solution comes or not. Jesus had much to say about attitudes.
Problem-Solving
Problem-Solving. The first principle of problem solving is to get the facts. It's in the Bible, Proverbs 18:13, TLB. "What a shame—yes, how stupid!—to decide before knowing the facts!" The second principle of solving problems is to be open to new ideas. It's in the Bible, Proverbs 18:15, TLB.
Bible Verses for Problem Solving
The Bible offers valuable guidance and wisdom for problem-solving in our lives. Key verses to consider include Proverbs 3:5-6, Philippians 4:6-7, Matthew 7:7-8, James 1:5, and Romans 8:28. By trusting in God, praying for guidance, seeking His wisdom, and remembering His promises, we can face challenges with confidence and find the solutions we need.
Bible teaching about problem solving
The Bible teaching about problem solving indicates the need for a careful plan. In this step you must determine a definite goal and identify the specific steps to reach the goal. Answer the questions such as, "What are the actions to take, and when, how and where will the action take place.
God's Purpose Behind Your Problems: Spiritual Life in God
Here are five ways God wants to use the problems in your life: 1. God uses problems to DIRECT you - Sometimes God must light a fire under you to get you moving. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change.
Solving Problems God's Way: Part 6 Steps To Solving Problems God's Way
Solving Problems Part 6 - Steps To Solving Problems God's Way James 1:1-8 Intro> The words "Solving problems God's way" suggests there is more than one way to solve problems.
PDF Facing Life'S Problems: a Biblical Perspective
FACING LIFE'S PROBLEMS: A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE I. GOD AND MY PROBLEMS A. Problems Here, There and Everywhere! G LIFE'S PROBLEMS: A BIBLICAL PERSPEC Compiled and edited by: Dr. Lewis R. Woodard I. GOD AND MY PROBLEMS A. Problems Here, There and Everywhere! sy and may be solved without much difficulty, su
PDF CHRISTIAN PROBLEM SOLVING
In Christian Problem Solving I will present some mechanics, the nuts and bolts, on how to verify and identify God's plan for your life once you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior.
What does the Bible say about conflict resolution?
In verses 3-4, Jesus says, "Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, 'I repent,' you must forgive him.". An essential part of conflict resolution is forgiveness. Any kind of disciplinary ...
PDF Leadership Training: Problem-Solving decision
The Bible's teaching about making good decisions reveals that Nehemiah identified several causes of the problem that Jerusalem was dealing with before ever making a decision. He determined that the causes of the problem were spiritual (1:6-8), the people were discouraged (1:3), but there was also some opposition from other people - imagine ...
What Does the Bible Say About Solving Problems?
John 3:1-36 ESV / 8 helpful votesHelpfulNot Helpful. Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.". Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say ...
PDF Principle for Solving School Problems
The Matthew 18 Principle for Solving School Problems The "me generation" philosophy of "I'll do it my way" sometimes spills over into the Christian community. For example, when differences develop between individuals, some Christians take matters into their "own hands" and bypass the biblical procedure of solving problems.
62 Bible Verses about Problem Solving
62 Top bible verses about Problem Solving, with videos, images and related topics. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Solomon's Wisdom in Creative Problem Solving
3 stages of creative problem solving. It has been suggested that creative problem solving tends to involve three key stages: (1) fact finding, (2) idea finding, and (3) solution finding. 5 The account of Solomon's judgment appears to follow this basic outline and includes elements of each of the three stages. Specifically, (1) the king ...
NEWS Source Evening Bulletin for 29th August 2024
Live. Reels. Shows
How does coding enhance problem-solving skills in education?
8.Critical thinking: Optimising code for efficiency needs critical thinking and the ability to analyse various solutions to a problem. Students can apply this skill to any subject where they need to analyse and improve their work. For instance, in history class, students can use critical thinking to analyse primary sources and construct evidence-based arguments.
UpStudy Camera Math Solver: Revolutionizing Derivative and Integral
By combining AI-driven problem-solving with intuitive explanations and interactive features, the app is transforming the way calculus is taught and learned. As educational technology continues to evolve, tools like UpStudy are leading the charge in making math more accessible, understandable, and even enjoyable.
Team-Building Activities for In-Person Teams
Last week, we outlined team-building activities for remote and hybrid teams. But what about when you work in person? Here are some proven ways to bring people closer—even when they're already ...