**The Tale of the Wise King and the Contentious Brothers**
In the ancient kingdom of Shelem, nestled between rolling hills and fertile valleys, there lived a wise and just king named Abidan. His reign was marked by peace and prosperity, for he ruled with the wisdom of Solomon and the heart of David. The people of Shelem revered him, not only for his fairness but also for his deep understanding of the ways of the Lord. King Abidan often meditated on the Proverbs, and one verse in particular guided his judgments: *”Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife”* (Proverbs 17:1).
One day, two brothers, Eliab and Jotham, were brought before the king. They were the sons of a wealthy merchant who had recently passed away, leaving behind a vast estate. The brothers had been quarreling bitterly over their inheritance, each accusing the other of greed and dishonesty. Their shouts echoed through the palace halls, disturbing the peace that King Abidan had worked so hard to maintain.
The king, seated on his throne of carved cedar, raised his hand, and the room fell silent. His eyes, sharp and discerning, studied the brothers. Eliab, the elder, was tall and broad-shouldered, his face flushed with anger. Jotham, the younger, was slender and quick-tempered, his fists clenched at his sides. The tension between them was palpable, like a storm brewing on the horizon.
“Speak,” commanded the king, his voice calm but firm. “Tell me why you bring your strife into my court.”
Eliab stepped forward, his voice trembling with indignation. “My lord, my brother seeks to take more than his share of our father’s estate. He has already taken the finest horses and the richest vineyards, leaving me with little more than scraps!”
Jotham interrupted, his voice rising in pitch. “Lies! It is Eliab who has hoarded the gold and silver, refusing to divide it fairly. He treats me as though I am a stranger, not his own flesh and blood!”
The brothers continued to argue, their voices growing louder and more heated. The king’s advisors whispered among themselves, unsure how to resolve such a bitter dispute. But King Abidan remained silent, his mind turning to the wisdom of Proverbs. He recalled another verse: *”The beginning of strife is like releasing water; therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts”* (Proverbs 17:14).
Raising his hand once more, the king silenced the brothers. “Enough,” he said. “Your quarrel dishonors your father’s memory and disrupts the peace of this kingdom. Tell me, what is more valuable to you—your inheritance or your brother?”
The brothers hesitated, their anger momentarily replaced by confusion. “My inheritance,” Eliab muttered, though his voice lacked conviction.
“My brother,” Jotham admitted softly, his eyes downcast.
The king nodded, his expression softening. “You see, Jotham, your heart is not entirely consumed by greed. And Eliab, your anger blinds you to the bond you share with your brother. Listen to the wisdom of the Lord: *’A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity’* (Proverbs 17:17). Is this how you show love to one another?”
The brothers were silent, their faces reflecting a mixture of shame and realization. King Abidan continued, “Your father’s wealth is but a fleeting treasure. It cannot bring you lasting joy if it divides you. Better is a dry morsel with quietness than a house full of feasting with strife.”
He then ordered his servants to bring a simple meal of bread and water. The brothers were seated at a small table, their inheritance set aside for the moment. As they ate in silence, the tension between them began to ease. The king watched them closely, his heart hopeful.
When the meal was finished, King Abidan spoke again. “Now, let us divide your father’s estate fairly, with justice and compassion. But remember this day, and the lesson you have learned. For *’he who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit’* (Proverbs 17:27). Let your actions reflect the wisdom of the Lord, and may peace reign in your household.”
The brothers bowed their heads in gratitude, their hearts softened by the king’s wisdom. They left the palace that day not only with a fair division of their inheritance but also with a renewed commitment to honor their father’s memory by living in harmony.
From that day forward, Eliab and Jotham became known not for their wealth but for their unity. They worked together to manage their father’s estate, sharing both the burdens and the blessings. And whenever strife threatened to arise, they remembered the words of King Abidan and the wisdom of Proverbs.
The kingdom of Shelem continued to flourish under the rule of King Abidan, who remained steadfast in his commitment to justice and peace. His people often gathered to hear him speak, for his words were filled with the wisdom of the Lord. And though he faced many challenges, he always turned to the Proverbs for guidance, knowing that *”the one who has a wise heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness”* (Proverbs 17:27-28).
And so, the tale of the wise king and the contentious brothers became a cherished story in Shelem, a reminder to all that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in the peace and love that come from walking in the ways of the Lord.
