In this lesson, children learn that God gave King Solomon a wise heart and that God is happy to give wisdom to anyone who asks. This lesson is 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 for it, and He blesses His people when they follow Him. Solomon asked God for wisdom, and God gave him more than he expected.
Memory Verse
1 Kings 4:29
God gave Solomon abundant wisdom and understanding, and very great understanding, even as the sand that is on the seashore.
(WEB)
Have the children cup their hands together in front of their chests, like they are holding a gift. Then they lift their hands up slowly, as if they are offering the gift back to God. Say the verse together while you move your hands.
The Story: 1 Kings 4 for Kids
King Solomon ruled over all the people of Israel. He had many helpers, and each helper had an important job. Some helpers were priests who taught about God. Some were scribes who wrote down important words. Others took care of the army, the food, and the people who worked for the king.
Every helper had a job to bring food to the king’s house. Each man took a turn for one month of the year. There was so much food that the king’s house was always full. People all over the land ate and drank and were glad.
Solomon was a wise king. He knew how to make good choices and help people get along. Kings from faraway lands heard about his wisdom, and they sent people to visit him and to listen to what he said. Solomon even wrote thousands of wise sayings and many songs.
Solomon once said a short prayer to God, asking for a wise and understanding heart so he could lead the people well. God was pleased with that prayer. God said, “I will give you wisdom and understanding, and I will also give you the things you did not ask for.” God kept His promise, and Solomon became wiser than anyone.
Because God gave Solomon wisdom, the people of Israel lived in peace. Each family had its own land, its own vine, and its own fig tree. Nobody needed to be afraid, and everyone had enough to eat.
Read It Together
1 Kings 4:20
Judah and Israel were numerous as the sand which is by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking and making merry.
(WEB)
Point out that God blessed His people so much that they were as many as the sand by the sea. Ask the children what it would look like to have so many people. Remind them that God takes care of every family, big or small.
1 Kings 4:25
Judah and Israel lived safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon.
(WEB)
Show the children that living safely under your own vine and fig tree means being at peace. Explain that God wants His people to rest and feel secure. Ask who helps the children feel safe at home.
1 Kings 4:34
People of all nations came to hear the wisdom of Solomon, sent by all kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom.
(WEB)
Point out that people came from many nations to hear Solomon’s wisdom. Explain that God’s wisdom is good news that can be shared with everyone. Ask how the children might share something good they learned about God.
Talk About It
- What did Solomon ask God for, and what do you think it means to have a wise heart?
- Why do you think God was pleased when Solomon asked for wisdom instead of riches?
- How can you ask God for help when you need to make a good choice?
- What are some ways that people in your family or school show wisdom?
- How can we thank God for the things He gives us every day?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Wise Owl
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and glue if you want to add feathers. Have each child draw a large owl, since owls are often seen as a symbol of wisdom. Ask them to write one wise thing they could ask God for on the owl’s wings. Display the owls on the classroom wall as a reminder to ask God for wisdom.
Wisdom Says Freeze
This game works well in a small space and needs no supplies. Call out “Wisdom says” followed by an action, like “Wisdom says hop on one foot,” and the children do it. When you call out an action without “Wisdom says,” they must freeze. This helps children listen carefully, which is part of being wise.
Take-Home Prayer Jar
You will need a small jar or clean cup, paper slips, and a pencil. Ask each child to write one thing they want to ask God for and fold the slip. Have them place it in the jar at home and pray over one slip each evening. Encourage families to read the slips together and thank God for His answers.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s blessing on Solomon came in response to a humble request for wisdom, and that God’s care reaches the whole nation with peace, provision, and a flourishing people. The passage also reminds us that wisdom is a gift from God, not something we earn by ourselves. Adults can see Solomon’s reign as a picture of what God desires for His people, while also noticing that Solomon’s later life did not always reflect the wisdom he was given.
Avoid telling children that asking for wisdom will automatically make them the smartest person in class or guarantee success in everything they do. The point is that God delights in people who seek Him and that He gives wisdom generously. Children should understand that God’s gifts are good even when life does not turn out exactly as they hoped.
A Prayer to Close
Lord God, thank You for giving wisdom to those who ask. Help us to ask You for a wise heart when we need to make choices. Teach us to listen well, to be kind, and to trust that You are always with us. Thank You for taking care of our families and our homes. Amen.
