In this lesson, children learn that the wisdom Solomon had came from God, and that asking God for wisdom is always a good idea. This lesson is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God gives wisdom to people who ask Him, and we can thank Him for every good gift we have.
Memory Verse
1 Kings 10:9
Blessed is the LORD your God, who delighted in you, to set you on the throne of Israel. Because the LORD loved Israel forever, therefore he made you king, to do justice and righteousness.”
(WEB)
Have children hold both hands up like an open book, then close them slowly as they say the word “Blessed.” Then point up with one finger on the word “LORD.” Repeat it together three times, getting a little quieter each time.
The Story: 1 Kings 10 for Kids
A long time ago, there was a king named Solomon in the city of Jerusalem. God had given Solomon a very special gift, which was wisdom, so he knew how to answer hard questions. People from faraway places heard about how smart he was.
One day a queen came all the way from the land of Sheba. She brought a huge line of camels carrying spices, gold, and sparkling jewels. She wanted to test Solomon with hard questions, so she asked him many things that were in her heart.
Solomon answered every single question. Nothing was hidden from him, and he explained everything clearly. The queen looked at his beautiful house, his food, his servants, and his clothes. She was amazed, and she said, “Your wisdom is greater than the stories I heard!”
The queen said, “Happy are your men who get to stand before you and hear your wisdom.” Then she praised God, saying that He was the one who made Solomon king. She gave Solomon a gift of one hundred twenty talents of gold and many spices and jewels.
King Solomon gave the queen everything she asked for, and then she went home to her own land. Solomon became richer than all the kings on the earth, because God had blessed him so much. Even people from many countries came to hear his wisdom.
Read It Together
1 Kings 10:1
When the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the LORD’s name, she came to test him with hard questions.
(WEB)
Point out that the queen heard about Solomon’s wisdom and came to see for herself. Ask the children what they think it means that Solomon’s fame was about the LORD’s name.
1 Kings 10:5
The food of his table, the sitting of his servants, the attendance of his officials, their clothing, his cup bearers, and his ascent by which he went up to the LORD’s house; there was no more spirit in her.
(WEB)
Ask the children to notice how many wonderful things the queen saw in Solomon’s house and in his city. Explain that the queen was so amazed that she could hardly breathe, showing us how remarkable God’s gifts are.
1 Kings 10:23-24
23 So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. 24 All the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart.
(WEB)
Show the children that Solomon became greater than all the kings on the earth. Explain that people came to him because God had put wisdom in his heart, not because of anything Solomon did on his own.
Talk About It
- What did the queen of Sheba want to find out when she traveled to see Solomon?
- Why do you think Solomon was able to answer every question the queen asked?
- What are some things the queen saw in Solomon’s house that made her amazed?
- Who do you think gave Solomon his wisdom, and how do you know?
- What is one thing you could ask God for when you need help being wise?
Activity Ideas
Crown of Wisdom Craft
You will need construction paper, markers, glue, and scissors. Cut a strip of paper long enough to wrap around each child’s head, then have them decorate it with gold and bright colors. Let them write one wise thing they can ask God for on the crown before they wear it.
Question and Answer Game
Have the children stand in a circle while one child is the queen and asks a silly or hard question. Another child answers the question as Solomon would, and everyone cheers. Rotate roles so each child gets a turn to be the queen and to be Solomon.
Take-Home Wisdom Jar
You will need an empty jar and small slips of paper. Ask the children to write or draw one wise choice they made during the week and place it in the jar. At the end of the month, read the slips together and thank God for helping them make good choices.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that wisdom, riches, and honor all come from the LORD. Solomon’s greatness was a gift from God, and the queen recognized God’s hand in Solomon’s life. For adults, this passage invites reflection on how every blessing and skill we have comes from God and should lead us to give Him praise.
Be careful not to overstate that God will make children rich or famous if they ask for wisdom. The lesson is that God gives wisdom and good gifts as He chooses, and we should trust Him and thank Him whatever He gives.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for being the one who gives wisdom to all who ask. Help us to listen well, to think carefully, and to make choices that please You. Thank You for every good gift, big or small, that You give us each day. We love You and trust You. Amen.
