Solomon’s Wisdom

Scripture: 1 Kings 3:1-28
Theme: True wisdom begins with reverence for God
Age Group: 1st-3rd Grade (Ages 6-8)

Overview



Solomon’s Wisdom – Sunday School Lesson

Solomon’s Wisdom: Wise Choices from God

Welcome, friends! Today we’re going to learn about a young king named Solomon who made a very special choice. God offered him anything in the world, and Solomon asked for something amazing! His choice showed how much he loved and respected God, and it teaches us that true wisdom, the kind that helps us make good choices, always begins with listening to and honoring God.

Opening Activity: What Would You Choose?

Let’s play a game! Imagine God came to you and said, “I will give you anything you ask for!” What would you choose? Would you ask for:

  • A giant pile of your favorite candy?
  • To be super strong like a superhero?
  • All the toys you could ever want?
  • To be the best at every game?
  • Something else?

(Allow children to share their answers. Encourage discussion about why they would choose those things.)

Those are all fun things to think about! Now, let’s hear what King Solomon chose when God asked him this very same question!

Bible Story: Solomon Asks for Wisdom (1 Kings 3:1-28)

Our story today is about King Solomon. He was a young king, and he loved God very much. One night, God appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you!”

Wow! What an offer! Solomon could have asked for a long life, or lots of money, or to win all his battles. But Solomon remembered that he was in charge of God’s special people, and it was a big job! He knew he needed help to lead them well.

So, Solomon said to God, “Lord, you have given me this big job to lead your people. I am just a young man, and I don’t know how to do it well. Please give me a wise heart so I can tell the difference between right and wrong, and lead your people fairly.”

God was so happy with Solomon’s choice! He said, “Because you did not ask for a long life, or riches, or to defeat your enemies, but instead asked for wisdom to do what is right, I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and discerning heart, wiser than anyone before or after you. And because you asked for something so good, I will also give you riches and honor!”

And God did! Solomon became known as the wisest king ever. People came from all over to hear his wise advice. One famous story shows his wisdom: Two women came to him, arguing over who was the true mother of a baby. Solomon listened carefully, and then he thought of a very clever way to find out the truth! He knew the true mother would rather give up her baby than see it hurt. Solomon’s wise decision helped save the baby and showed everyone that his wisdom truly came from God.

What Does This Mean for Us?

  • Solomon loved God, and because he loved God, he wanted to make choices that pleased God and helped others.
  • He didn’t ask for selfish things, but for something that would help him serve God’s people.
  • God was so pleased with Solomon’s desire for wisdom that He gave him wisdom AND other blessings!

When we love and respect God (that’s what “reverence” means!), we want to please Him. We can ask God for a wise heart too! He wants us to make good choices.

Activity: Wise or Unwise?

Let’s think about some choices. Thumbs up for a wise choice, thumbs down for an unwise choice!

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