David Anointed King

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1-13

Theme: God looks at the heart, not the outward appearance

Age Group: 1st-3rd Grade (Ages 6-8)

Overview

Lesson Title: Solomon’s Wise Choice (1 Kings 3:1-15) Dear helpers, this lesson is all about Solomon asking God for wisdom, and how we can do the same! Solomon was young but very smart, and God wanted to help him. The lesson shows that wisdom isn’t just about knowing lots of facts; it’s about making good choices, listening to God, and growing in love. We’ll explore how Solomon’s prayer changed his life, and how we can ask God for wisdom too! Here’s a quick overview for your time: 1. Story Hook (5 min): Begin with a fun question like, “What’s the most important thing you’d ask God if you could?” Share that Solomon asked for wisdom because he saw how hard it was to rule a big kingdom. Even though he was nervous, he trusted God. 2. Scripture Story (10 min): Read 1 Kings 3:5-15 in a kid-friendly way, highlight Solomon’s prayer: “Give me wisdom… for I am so confused” (v. 9). Talk about how God answered with a big, amazing yes! 3. Lesson Point: Wisdom isn’t just about being smart, it’s about making choices that honor God. Show examples (e.g., choosing kindness over anger, trusting God even when things seem scary). 4. Application (5 min): End with a prayer: “Lord, help me ask for wisdom today, like Solomon did! Show me how to make good choices!” Then ask kids to share one thing they’re learning to be wise in. Bonus Encouragement for Volunteers: Remind them to keep it simple, kids this age love stories, movement (maybe a “wise choice vs. silly choice” game), and praise for God’s kindness! You’ve got this! P.S. For visuals, draw Solomon praying or use a simple diagram of God giving wisdom like a light bulb!

Bible Story

The Wise King Solomon Asks for Wisdom

Long, long ago, there was a very wise king named Solomon. He was the son of David, who had been chosen by God to be a leader for God’s people. One day, King Solomon had a big decision to make: he needed to decide how to split 12 groups of people fairly. There were 12 mothers, each with a baby, and the babies were arguing about who should get to keep their baby. The mothers couldn’t agree, so Solomon thought, “This isn’t fair! I need to be wise and make the right choice.” So, he asked God for help.

God heard Solomon’s heart and told him, “Because you asked for wisdom, not riches, not power, but wisdom to know what’s right, you will be given wisdom like no one else. I will also give you riches, power, and honor.” Solomon was very happy because he knew God was speaking to him. He realized that asking for wisdom meant trusting God to guide him in all the other things too.

That night, Solomon prayed, “Lord, teach me how to be wise. Help me to make good choices and to help others understand what’s right.” God smiled and answered, “Because you asked for wisdom with a heart that wanted to serve, I will give you wisdom beyond what anyone else has ever had.” Then God added, “I will also give you strength and blessings so that you can use your wisdom to help your people.”

Solomon’s wisdom was amazing! He used his knowledge to rule the kingdom fairly, to build temples, and to teach God’s laws. His story shows us that when we ask God for wisdom, He gives it, and it helps us make better choices, just like Solomon did.

This story is special because it reminds us that wisdom isn’t just about being smart, it’s about listening to God and trusting Him. When we ask God for wisdom, like Solomon did, we learn to follow His guidance, make good decisions, and help others too. Can you think of a time when you’d like to ask God for wisdom? Maybe to choose the right words, solve a problem, or be kind? God wants us to ask Him every day!

Activities

Heart Mirror Craft

Supplies: red paper, scissors, glue, tape, marker

  1. Cut red paper into a heart shape.
  2. Write your name on the back.
  3. Draw David in the heart.
  4. Tape heart on yellow paper.
  5. Ask teacher: ‘Did God see David’s eyes first?’

The King’s Choice Game

Supplies: cardboard, stickers, paper, markers

  1. Draw circle ‘Skin’ and circle ‘Heart’.
  2. Cut out picture of Saul.
  3. Stick Saul in ‘Skin’ circle.
  4. Stick David in ‘Heart’ circle.

Discussion Questions

  1. Here are four open-ended discussion questions based on the story of Solomon asking for wisdom (1 Kings 3:1-15), designed to engage early elementary children (ages 6, 8) in thoughtful reflection:
  2. What Do You Think Solomon Was Thinking About When He Asked for Wisdom?
  3. Solomon asked God for wisdom, not for riches, power, or even victory in battle. How do you think he might have felt when he asked this? What might have made him want to know how to make wise choices? For example, when you have a tough decision to make, like choosing between friends or picking a game to play, how does wisdom help you decide what’s best? Why do you think God answered his prayer?
  4. Application:* When have you faced a situation where you wanted to make a good choice, but you weren’t sure what to do? How did wisdom help you, or how could wisdom have helped you better?
  5. God Gave Solomon More Than Wisdom, What Other Things Did He Receive?
  6. After Solomon asked for wisdom, God told him, “Because you asked for this and not for long life or wealth, I will give you both…” (1 Kings 3:12). What do you think Solomon gained besides wisdom? How might those things help him in his life? For example, did he get extra time to do what he loved, or maybe extra money to help others? How could those things be useful today? Think of a time when you wanted something important but had to wait, what did you learn or how did you grow because of it?
  7. Application:* Have you ever asked for something you didn’t need but still learned something valuable? How did waiting or trusting help you?
  8. What Would You Ask God for If You Had Solomon’s Kind of Power?
  9. Solomon had big dreams, like building temples and cities, but he didn’t ask for power or fame, he asked for wisdom. If you could ask God for something like Solomon did, what would it be? Why do you think wisdom is so important? For example, how would you use wisdom to help your family, friends, or even yourself? Or what challenge in your life do you think you’d need wisdom to face?
  10. Application:* Think of a time when you wished you had more courage, kindness, or patience. What would wisdom help you do in that situation?
  11. How Can We Show Wisdom Like Solomon Did?
  12. Solomon’s prayer shows that wisdom isn’t just about knowing answers, it’s about asking the right questions and trusting God. When have you been in a situation where you had to make a choice that wasn’t easy? How did you decide what was right? Did you ask for help, like Solomon did? What did you learn from that experience? How can you show wisdom today, whether in school, at home, or with your friends?
  13. Application:* Imagine you’re picking a project for class or a friend asks you to help them. How can you use wisdom to decide the best way to handle it? What might God want you to learn in that moment?
  14. These questions encourage children to reflect on wisdom’s role in their lives, trust in God’s guidance, and apply the lesson to everyday situations. You could also pair them with short scripture readings (e.g., 1 Kings 3:5-15) to make the discussion even deeper!

Prayer Focus

Prayer Focus: Asking for Wisdom Like Solomon Dear God, We come to You today like Solomon did, asking for something very important. Solomon knew that to be a good leader, he needed to understand how to make right choices, even when things were hard. Just like Solomon asked You for wisdom, we want to ask You to help us make good decisions, just like Jesus taught. Help us listen to our hearts and do what’s kind and true, not just what’s easy or fun. Amen. First Paragraph: God, You know all about our hearts. Just like Solomon wanted to be a good king, we want to be good friends, good students, and kind helpers. Help us to think carefully, like Solomon did, before we speak or act. Remind us that Your wisdom is stronger than any other kind. Amen. Second Paragraph: God, You gave Solomon wisdom so he could solve big problems and help others. We want to do that too, like helping our families, friends, and even strangers. Show us how to be patient, brave, and fair, just like Solomon was. Help us to trust You when we’re unsure, because You always give us the right answers. Amen. Third Paragraph: We thank You, God, for listening to Solomon’s heart. He didn’t ask for power or wealth, he asked for wisdom! Today, we ask You to help us listen to You too. Give us the strength to choose wisely, even when others might not understand. Remind us that Your love is always with us, and Your wisdom guides our way. Amen. Simple Application for Kids: “Remember this: When you’re choosing something, ask, ‘Is this kind? Is this right?’ Like Solomon, ask God first!”

Missions Spotlight

The Akan people of Ghana have a rich tradition of proverbs and wisdom sayings. Missionaries have found that Solomon’s story resonates deeply, and the concept of ‘wisdom from God’ opens doors to share about Jesus, the Wisdom of God.

To the Cross

Solomon asked for wisdom and God was pleased. But the Bible says, ‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.’ True wisdom leads us to Jesus, ‘in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge’ (Colossians 2:3).

Teaching Tips

  • Utilize Small Subgroups for Interaction: Divide the 3-10 students i
  • Anchor the Lesson with the Craft: Immediately connect the “Oil of A
  • Simplify God’s Character: If a child asks a complex question about
  • Make Them Leaders in the Q&A: Pass a soft ball or craft piece aroun

Family Take-Home

In the story of Solomon’s wisdom request, God asked him to ask for something he needed most. Solomon didn’t ask for wealth or power, he asked for wisdom to lead his people wisely and fairly, showing how God’s guidance can help us make good choices too!

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