Faith, Ethics, and Justice: Solomonic Wisdom in Shaping Rwanda’s Future Judges

 

Two women, one child, and a decision that could change a life. Imagine standing in Solomon’s courtroom, hearing two competing claims with no witnesses, no documents, and no clear path to the truth. How would you decide?

 

King Solomon, renowned for wisdom, did not rely on procedure alone. Instead, he crafted a test: he suggested the child be divided in two. One woman immediately protested, saying the child should be spared, even if it meant losing her claim. In that moment, Solomon discerned the true mother and returned the child to her care.

 

This story, though ancient, holds a timeless lesson for today’s aspiring judges, particularly young Christian lawyers: judging is as much about wisdom, character, and discernment as it is about law.

 

Modern scholars, including L.H. LaRue and Lawrence C. George, have reflected on Solomon’s judgment as an early model of judicial discretion—deciding in moments of uncertainty and using insight to uncover truth. Solomon’s brilliance was not only legal reasoning; it was moral wisdom in action.

 

Judicial Ethics: God’s Wisdom in Action Today

 

An independent and impartial judiciary is not merely a legal requirement—it is a pillar of democracy, the rule of law, and justice itself. Every citizen deserves judges who are impartial, competent, and respectful. A judge must be—and be seen to be—free to decide honestly, based on law and evidence, without fear, favor, or external influence.

 

At its core, judicial ethics safeguards independence, impartiality, and integrity—the three big “I” of justice. Rwanda’s Law N°10/2013 outlines these qualities clearly: integrity, irreproachable morals and conduct, impartiality, and independent thinking. These principles echo Solomon’s example. A judge may know the law, but without wisdom and character, justice may still fail.

 

Globally, instruments like the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct reinforce these ideals, emphasizing independence, impartiality, integrity, confidentiality, and diligence. Judicial ethics protects the judiciary, fosters public trust, combats corruption, and ensures that justice is not only done but seen to be done.

 

The Call to Young Christian Lawyers

 

For young Christian lawyers, Solomon’s story and modern judicial ethics converge into a profound challenge: law can be learned, but wisdom must be sought.

 

Integrity keeps judgment honest. Impartiality ensures the vulnerable are protected. Independence allows a judge to act without undue influence. Diligence and confidentiality safeguard justice and respect for all parties. These qualities, nurtured with prayer and conscience, enable judges to discern truth even in complex or sensitive cases.

 

Law school teaches statutes, precedent, and procedure—but God’s wisdom shapes the heart. It gives courage when decisions are difficult, discernment when evidence is scarce, and compassion when the vulnerable need protection.

 

So, when the day comes that a dispute is placed before you—when witnesses disagree, evidence is limited, and the stakes are high—remember Solomon. Seek God’s guidance. Let wisdom temper knowledge. And remember: justice is not only applied; it is revealed through the character, integrity, and discernment of the judge.

 

A great judge is made not just on the bench, but in the choices, prayer, and moral discipline cultivated long before the robe is worn. In shaping the judiciary of tomorrow, young Christian lawyers have an opportunity to ensure that Rwanda’s courts reflect the timeless values of faith, ethics, and justice.

Above the legal skills and experience required of a judge, as Solomon demonstrated, seeking God’s wisdom is the surest way to deliver true justice, especially in moments of uncertainty; it should be the guiding priority during the 30-day period within which a verdict must be rendered.”