The bowels are the seat of mercy, tenderness, and compassion. Joseph's bowels were moved at the sight of his brother Benjamin; that is, he felt himself softened and affected. The true mother of the child whom Solomon commanded to be divided, felt her bowels move, and consented that it should be given to the woman who was not its real mother, 1 Kings 3:26 . The Hebrews also sometimes place wisdom and understanding in the bowels, "Who hath put wisdom in the inner parts?" or bowels, Job 38:36 . The Psalmist says, "Thy law is within my heart," literally, in the midst of my bowels,—it is by me strongly and affectionately regarded, Psalms 40:8 .