In this lesson, children learn that when Solomon became king, he asked God for a wise and understanding heart, and God gave him what he asked for. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
When we need help making good choices, we can ask God for wisdom, and he is glad to give it to us.
Memory Verse
1 Kings 3:9
Give your servant therefore an understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this great people of yours?”
(WEB)
Put your hand on your heart when you say “understanding heart,” then point up to the sky on “good and evil.” Say the words slowly together three times, pausing where your hands move so children can remember the order.
The Story: 1 Kings 3 for Kids
King David had died, and his son Solomon was now the king of Israel. Solomon loved God and did what was right, but he was still very young and new at being king. One night, Solomon went to a special place called Gibeon to worship God, and he offered a thousand animals on the altar there.
That night, God came to Solomon in a dream and said, “Ask me for anything you want.” Imagine how surprising that must have been! Solomon could have asked for gold, big houses, or a long life. Instead, he told God, “I am only a little child. I do not know how to lead all these people, so please give me an understanding heart.”
God was pleased that Solomon asked for wisdom and not for things for himself. God said, “Because you asked for this, I will give you a wise heart. I will also give you riches and honor, too.” When Solomon woke up, he knew it had been a dream from God.
Soon after, two women came to the king. Both had babies, but one baby had died, and each woman said the living baby was her own. The king did not know who was telling the truth, so he said, “Bring me a sword. Cut the living baby in two and give each woman half.” One woman cried out, “No, please give her the baby! Do not hurt him!” The other woman said, “Cut him in half,” so the king knew the first woman was the real mother.
When everyone in Israel heard how wisely Solomon solved the problem, they respected him. They saw that God had given him wisdom to do what was fair.
Read It Together
1 Kings 3:5
In Gibeon, the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask for what I should give you.”
(WEB)
Point out that God came to Solomon himself and invited him to ask for anything. Ask children what they would have asked for if God said that to them, and let them share their answers freely.
1 Kings 3:11-12
11 God said to him, “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked for yourself long life, nor have you asked for riches for yourself, nor have you asked for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice; 12 behold, I have done according to your word. Behold, I have given you a wise and understanding heart; so that there has been no one like you before you, and after you none will arise like you.
(WEB)
Show children that God was pleased with Solomon’s request because it was thoughtful and unselfish. Explain that God gave him what he asked for and even more besides.
1 Kings 3:26-27
26 Then the woman whose the living child was spoke to the king, for her heart yearned over her son, and she said, “Oh, my lord, give her the living child, and in no way kill him!” But the other said, “He shall be neither mine nor yours. Divide him.” 27 Then the king answered, “Give her the living child, and definitely do not kill him. She is his mother.”
(WEB)
Point out the real mother’s love in her words, which showed she cared more for her child’s life than for being the one who kept him. Note how the king’s judgment revealed the truth.
Talk About It
- What do you think Solomon felt when God said he could ask for anything?
- Why did Solomon ask God for wisdom instead of for gold or a long life?
- How did the real mother show how much she loved her baby?
- What is a hard choice you have had to make, and how could you ask God for help with it?
- Why do you think the people of Israel respected King Solomon after he solved the problem?
Activity Ideas
Crown of Wisdom Craft
You will need paper strips, crayons or markers, tape, and glue sticks. Have each child decorate a paper crown and write or draw one thing they would ask God for if he asked them the same question as Solomon. Tape the strip into a circle to fit each child’s head and talk about why wisdom is a good gift to ask for.
Two Mothers Game
You will need a pillow or stuffed animal to act as the baby, a small blanket, and a few chairs. Pick two children to play the mothers and one to play the king. The king listens to both mothers and decides who the real mother is, then the group talks about how the king could have listened carefully to find the truth.
Wisdom Prayer Jar at Home
You will need an empty jar, paper, and a pen. Write “Ask God for wisdom” on the jar and have each family member drop in a small slip of paper with a choice they need help with this week. Read the slips together at dinner and pray for wisdom about each one, reminding children that God hears every request.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God welcomes requests for wisdom and that he responds generously when we seek what is good rather than what is merely comfortable or self-serving. Solomon’s humility, admitting he did not know how to lead, is a model for anyone facing responsibility.
Avoid suggesting to children that asking God for wisdom guarantees they will always know the right answer instantly or that God will give them riches if they ask for them. The story teaches trust and humble requests, not a formula for success.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for your gifts and for listening when we ask for help. Please give us wise and understanding hearts so we can make good choices every day. Help us to trust you when we do not know what to do. Amen.
