Lesson Overview for ADULTS
In 1 Kings 3:3-15, we read about young King Solomon who loved God and followed his father David’s guidance. When God appeared to Solomon in a dream at Gibeon, He offered the new king anything he desired. Instead of asking for riches, long life, or power over his enemies, Solomon humbly requested wisdom to rule God’s people well. Solomon recognized his youth and inexperience, acknowledging that leading God’s countless people required divine insight to discern between good and evil.
God was so pleased with Solomon’s unselfish request that He granted not only extraordinary wisdom but also promised riches and honor beyond any other king. This account teaches us that when we seek God’s guidance first and ask for wisdom to make right choices, He delights in blessing us abundantly. Solomon’s example shows that wisdom comes from depending on God’s guidance, learning from our mistakes and the mistakes of others, reading His Word, and maintaining a life of prayer.
Opening Activity: Playdoh, Hidden Jewels 10:15-10:30 a.m.
Items Needed
- Playdoh
- Jewels
Give each child a container of Playdoh with jewels pre-hidden inside. Ask them to find all of the jewels. Then allow them free time to create their own things with the Playdoh. Children should only be given one color of Playdoh to use at a time.
Bible Verse Game: Wise or Foolish Choice Race (10:30-10:40 a.m.)
Materials Needed:
Place your Wise Choice (Smiley Face) and Poor Choice (Sad Face) signs on opposite sides of the room. Have children stand in the middle of the room. Read off the list of choices below and have them run to either the “Wise Choice” poster or the “Poor Choice” Poster.
- Emma is about to share her crayons with her friend who doesn’t have any. (GOOD CHOICE)
- Ben is about to lie and blame his little sister for breaking the cup. (BAD CHOICE)
- Zoe is about to be gentle with the new puppy. (GOOD CHOICE)
- Alex is about to talk loudly and disturb others during Bible story time. (BAD CHOICE)
- Grace is about to put on her seatbelt in the car. (GOOD CHOICE)
- Lucas is about to tell the new kid they can’t play with them. (BAD CHOICE)
- Sophia is about to listen when teacher is giving instructions. (GOOD CHOICE)
- Owen is about to go to bed without brushing his teeth. (BAD CHOICE)
- Mia is about to use her inside voice at church. (GOOD CHOICE)
- Caleb is about to run ahead in the parking lot without holding hands. (BAD CHOICE)
- Ruby is about to give her friend a hug when they’re sad. (GOOD CHOICE)
- Tyler is about to leave his art supplies messy and walk away. (BAD CHOICE)
- Ella is about to obey right away when daddy calls her name. (GOOD CHOICE)
- Mason is about to start eating without thanking God for his food. (BAD CHOICE)
- Chloe is about to say “I’m sorry” after accidentally bumping into someone. (GOOD CHOICE)
- Ethan is about to grab all the toys and not share with anyone. (BAD CHOICE)
- Isabella is about to wash her hands before eating lunch. (GOOD CHOICE)
- Liam is about to throw his gift on the ground when he doesn’t like it. (BAD CHOICE)
- Harper is about to include everyone in their game at recess. (GOOD CHOICE)
- Carter is about to ignore teacher and do whatever he wants. (BAD CHOICE)
- Aria is about to tell the truth when mommy asks if she made the mess. (GOOD CHOICE)
- Jackson is about to yell and be loud during the church service. (BAD CHOICE)
- Scarlett is about to brush her teeth before bedtime. (GOOD CHOICE)
- Logan is about to push in front of everyone at the slide. (BAD CHOICE)
- Penelope is about to hold daddy’s hand in the parking lot. (GOOD CHOICE)
- Hunter is about to laugh at his friend when they start crying. (BAD CHOICE)
- Layla is about to clean up her art supplies when she’s finished. (GOOD CHOICE)
- Grayson is about to pretend he doesn’t hear mommy calling him. (BAD CHOICE)
- Addison is about to pray before eating her dinner. (GOOD CHOICE)
- Easton is about to refuse to wear his seatbelt in the car. (BAD CHOICE)
- Nora is about to be patient while waiting for her turn. (GOOD CHOICE)
- Wyatt is about to pull the rabbit’s ears even though it might hurt. (BAD CHOICE)
- Violet is about to use kind words when talking to her brother. (GOOD CHOICE)
- Hudson is about to leave all his toys on the floor when daddy asks him to clean up. (BAD CHOICE)
Song and Movement (10:40-10:50 a.m.)
Bible Lesson (10:50-11:00 a.m.)
Materials Needed
- Treasure box or decorative container
- Toy coins, play money, or chocolate coins (or even just small toy prizes)
- Costume jewelry or shiny beads
- A Bible
Question 1: Where is this story found in the Bible? (1 Kings) Question 2: Is this in the Old Testament or New Testament? (Old Testament)
Object Lesson: God’s Wisdom is Better Than Riches
Fill the treasure box with shiny coins, play money, and costume jewelry. Have the Bible nearby but separate from the treasure box.
Step 1: Show the Treasure
Hold up the treasure box and let it sparkle. “Look at all these beautiful treasures! See how shiny the coins are? Look at these pretty jewels! Wow, there’s so much treasure in here!”
Let children look at and touch some of the treasures
Step 2: Present the Choice
Hold the treasure box in one hand. “If someone came to you and said, ‘You can have ALL of these shiny treasures – all the coins, all the jewels, everything!’ – would you want them?”
Wait for responses
“OR…”
Pick up the Bible with your other hand. “What if they said, ‘You can have something that will help you be really smart and make the best choices every day. Something that will help you know right from wrong and make God happy.’ Which would you choose?”
Step 3: Make the Connection
Set the treasure box down and hold the Bible. “Most people would pick the shiny treasures, wouldn’t they? They’re so pretty and sparkly! But do you know what King Solomon chose? When God said Solomon could have ANYTHING he wanted, Solomon didn’t ask for gold or jewels or money.”
Open the Bible. “Solomon asked for wisdom! Wisdom means knowing how to make choices that please God and help other people. Solomon knew that being wise and making good choices was better than having lots of money or toys.”
Step 4: Application
Point to the Bible, then to the children. “Just like Solomon, we can ask God to help us make wise choices. When we read God’s Word and pray, God gives us wisdom, too. And that wisdom is more valuable than any treasure!”
“Solomon was a king, but he knew that God’s wisdom was the most important thing a king could have. And God wants to give us wisdom too!”
Discussion Questions
- What did Solomon choose when God offered him anything?
- Why do you think wisdom is better than lots of money?
- How can we get wisdom like Solomon did?
- What’s one wise choice you can make today?
Craft: Treasure Chest (11:00-11:15 a.m.)
Items Needed
- Treasure Chest Coloring Page
- Crayons
- Jewel Stickers
Have each child color their treasure chest. Allow them to put jewel stickers inside of it.
For older kids
Treasure Chest Cutout (Print on Cardstock for bigger kids)
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE
1 Kings 3:3-15 (KJV) “And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places. And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar. In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? And the speech pleased the LORD, that Solomon had asked this thing. And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days. And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream.”