In 1 Kings 12, a young king named Rehoboam ignores wise advice and listens to friends who tell him what he wants to hear, and the kingdom splits in two. Children learn that God wants us to listen to wise people and to do what is right even when it is hard. This lesson takes about 20 to 30 minutes and works well for children ages 5 to 11.
Big Idea
Wise people give good advice, and choosing to listen to them helps us do what is right. When we ignore wisdom and copy our own proud ideas, we often hurt the people around us.
Memory Verse
1 Kings 12:7
They replied, “If you will be a servant to this people today, and will serve them, and answer them with good words, then they will be your servants forever.”
(WEB)
Teach the children to cup both hands together, then slowly open them outward, like a bowl turning into a helping hand. Every time they say the verse, they can make this motion to remember that kind words help people.
The Story: 1 Kings 12 for Kids
King Solomon had died, and his son Rehoboam became the new king. All the people of Israel gathered at a town called Shechem to crown him. Before they made him king, a man named Jeroboam came to speak for the people. Jeroboam said, “Your father made our work very hard. Please make it lighter, and we will serve you.”
Rehoboam told them to come back in three days. First, he went to the old men who had worked with his father, Solomon. These wise men said, “If you are kind to these people and speak gently to them, they will be loyal to you forever.” That was good advice, but Rehoboam did not like it.
So Rehoboam asked his young friends, who had grown up with him. They said, “Tell the people that your little finger is thicker than your father’s waist. Make their work even harder!” Rehoboam liked this answer better, so he followed it.
When the people came back, Rehoboam spoke harshly to them, just as his young friends had told him. The people were angry. They said, “We have no share in David’s family. Let Israel go back to its own homes.” Ten tribes broke away and made Jeroboam their king. Only the people of Judah stayed loyal to Rehoboam.
Rehoboam sent a man named Adoram to the people, but the Israelites were so upset that they stoned him. Rehoboam ran away to his chariot and fled to Jerusalem. The kingdom had split into two, and it happened because the king would not listen to wise counsel.
Read It Together
1 Kings 12:8
But he abandoned the counsel of the old men which they had given him, and took counsel with the young men who had grown up with him, who stood before him.
(WEB)
Point out that Rehoboam turned away from the wise old men and listened to his friends instead. Ask the children how it feels when someone gives good advice they do not want to hear.
1 Kings 12:13-14
13 The king answered the people roughly, and abandoned the counsel of the old men which they had given him, 14 and spoke to them according to the counsel of the young men, saying, “My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke. My father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.”
(WEB)
Show the children how Rehoboam answered the people roughly and repeated his friends’ harsh words. Explain that the words we choose can make other people feel safe or make them feel hurt.
1 Kings 12:24
‘The LORD says, “You shall not go up or fight against your brothers, the children of Israel. Everyone return to his house; for this thing is from me.”’” So they listened to the LORD’s word, and returned and went their way, according to the LORD’s word.
(WEB)
Point out that when God spoke through the prophet Shemaiah, the people obeyed and went home. Remind the children that obeying God’s word, even when it is hard, is always the right choice.
Talk About It
- Who is someone you trust to give you good advice, and what kind of advice have they given you?
- Why do you think Rehoboam chose to listen to his young friends instead of the old wise men?
- How did Rehoboam’s harsh words make the people feel, and how could he have spoken more kindly?
- What is a time when you wanted to do something your own way, and what did you learn from it?
- What can you do this week to listen carefully to a parent, teacher, or friend who is trying to help you?
Activity Ideas
Crown Craft
Give each child a strip of yellow construction paper and some crayons or markers. Have them decorate the strip with jewels, zigzags, and their own designs, then tape the ends together to make a crown. Let them write a wise word on the inside of the crown, such as “Listen to wise advice.”
Wise Counsel Game
Set up two chairs at the front of the room, one labeled “Wise Old Men” and one labeled “Young Friends.” Read simple advice statements aloud, such as “Be kind to others” or “Take the easy way out,” and have children move to the chair that matches the wise choice. Talk together about why the wise choice helps people.
Kind Words Card
Give each child an index card and ask them to write or draw one kind word or piece of good advice for someone at home. They can take the card home and give it to a parent, sibling, or friend. Explain that choosing kind and wise words is a way to build up our families.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that a leader’s choices affect many people, and that God calls us to seek wisdom and humility. Rehoboam had wise counsel within reach but chose pride, and the results were painful for the nation. For adults, it is a reminder to ask God for wisdom and to be open to correction from trusted, godly people.
Be careful not to suggest that the division of the kingdom was simply a punishment for one young man’s mistake, since the text says the events were also part of God’s plan. Keep the focus on listening and humility rather than on blame or on a simple cause and effect story.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for giving us wise people to help us. Help us listen carefully, speak kindly, and choose what is right even when it is hard. Please help us to trust You and to follow Your word every day. Amen.
