In this lesson, children learn that God is pleased when we ask Him for wisdom to make good and fair choices. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
When we need help making a fair choice, we can ask God to give us wisdom, and He is glad to help 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)
Have children cup both hands together in front of their chests, like holding a small gift. As they say the verse aloud, have them lift their open hands up toward heaven, reminding them that wisdom is a gift they ask God to give.
The Story: 1 Kings 3 for Kids
King Solomon was the son of King David, and God chose him to lead the people of Israel after his father died. One night, God came to Solomon in a dream. God said, “Ask me for whatever you want, and I will give it to you.” Solomon was young and knew he could not do the big job alone.
Solomon did not ask for money or a long life. He asked God for a wise and understanding heart, so he could tell right from wrong and be fair to the people. God was very pleased that Solomon asked for something so good. God said he would give Solomon wisdom, and He would also give him riches and honor too.
Later, two women came to King Solomon, and they were both holding a baby. Each woman said the living baby was hers. The other baby had died during the night. Nobody could tell which woman was the real mother just by looking at them.
King Solomon said, “Bring me a sword. Cut the living baby in two, and give half to each woman.” One woman cried out, “No, please, give her the baby, and do not hurt him!” The other woman said, “Cut him in half. Then neither of us will have him.” Solomon knew right away who the real mother was.
Solomon said, “Give the living baby to the first woman, and do not hurt him. She is his mother.” When all of Israel heard about this, they were amazed. They saw that God had given Solomon wisdom to judge fairly.
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 in a dream and invited him to ask for anything. Ask children what they would ask God for if He said that to them, and gently remind them that God cares about what is truly good.
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 how God was pleased that Solomon did not ask for himself, such as riches or long life, but for understanding. Help children see that asking for wisdom to help others is something God loves.
1 Kings 3:28
All Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king; for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do justice.
(WEB)
Point out that the people of Israel saw God’s wisdom in Solomon’s judgment. Explain that when we act wisely and fairly, others can see that God is helping us.
Talk About It
- What did God ask Solomon when He came to him in the dream?
- Why do you think Solomon asked for a wise heart instead of money or a long life?
- How did Solomon figure out which woman was the real mother?
- What is one hard choice you have had to make, and how could God help you choose well?
- How can you show kindness and fairness to your friends and family this week?
Activity Ideas
Crown of Wisdom Craft
You will need construction paper, tape or glue, scissors, and crayons or markers. Cut a strip of paper long enough to fit around a child’s head, and tape it into a loop. Have children decorate the crown with gold or bright colors and write the word “Wisdom” across the front. Let them wear the crown while they tell the story of Solomon.
Sword or Baby Game
You will need a soft pillow or stuffed animal to act as the baby, and a rolled-up piece of paper as the sword. Have two children take turns pretending to be the women, while another child plays Solomon. The “king” listens to each woman’s claim, then decides who is the real mother. Let children practice giving fair answers and speaking kindly to one another.
Wisdom Jar Take-Home
You will need an empty jar, paper slips, and a pencil. Have each child write one way they can ask God for wisdom this week, such as when they share a toy or make a decision. Fold the slips and place them in the jar at home. Encourage the family to read one slip together each night and pray about it.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God welcomes requests for wisdom and that the best requests focus on serving others rather than gaining personal comfort. Solomon’s humility in admitting his need is a model for every believer. The story also shows that God’s wisdom often works through careful observation and honest reasoning.
Avoid overstating to children that God will always give a dream or a supernatural sign when we ask for wisdom. Instead, explain that God gives wisdom in many ways, through His Word, through wise people, and through thinking carefully before we act.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for being wise and for loving us. Help us to ask You for wisdom when we need to make hard choices. Give us hearts that want to be fair and kind to others, just like Solomon. Thank You for always listening to us. Amen.
