Solomon makes a wise decision
key words
biblical reference
1 Kings 3:4-15; 4:29-34
lesson objective
That the children learn that God helps them make wise decisions.
memory verse
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33, NIV*).
prepare yourself to teach
Daily life is full of choices. Even young children face a series of new decisions every day that they must make. Some are simple; others will affect the rest of their life.
Elementary-aged children must learn to use good criteria to make wise decisions, but above all, they need to learn that God is willing to help them make the right choice. It is important that they know that their decisions not only affect them, but also the community, and above all, their relationship with God. This lesson provides you with a great opportunity to guide your children, teaching them to seek divine direction before making decisions for themselves.
biblical commentary
This biblical passage tells us about Solomon’s leadership, but it also shows us God’s kind character. We read that God made an unmerited offer to Solomon. It also reminds us that God wants us to follow him wholeheartedly, that he is pleased when we make good decisions and that, if it is his will, he can bless his children with wisdom, prosperity and a long life.
History tells us that Solomon went to Gibeon, a place that was 17 kilometers from Jerusalem. That is where the ancient tabernacle was. At that time, it was a meeting point for the Hebrews; the temple had not yet been built.
Solomon was a young man in his 20’s when he became king. Obviously, he had no experience to govern or lead a nation. When the Lord appeared to him in a dream, perhaps the task of reigning worried the young king.
At the offer of God, Solomon’s response shows that he wanted to please the Lord and that he had a great sense of responsibility. This young man knew that only with the help of God could he carry out the great task that lay before him.
Solomon’s request pleased God because he was not selfish. It showed that Solomon cared about the welfare of others. Then, God not only granted his wish, but also blessed him with well-being, prosperity and health.
The 1 Kings 4:29-34 passage shows the great wisdom of Solomon, who had attained fame beyond the borders of Israel. The list of his writings is impressive. And when we combine the great architectural projects with his commercial achievements, we see that God fulfilled the promise he had made to Solomon. Undoubtedly, this king enjoyed wealth and honor all his life.
introduce the lesson
Proverbs
For this lesson we suggest that in advance, you write some of Solomon’s proverbs (for example, Proverbs 16:6) on poster board, and show them as you tell the story. You can also ask the children to keep their Bibles open to the book of Proverbs.
Bright ideas
For this activity, we suggest you use cardboard or poster board to prepare the figure of a light bulb for each of your children.
Read the following sentences aloud. When your children believe that it is a wise decision, they should raise their light bulbs. Discuss whether the decision is wise or not. Some answers may vary, depending on the situation, place or climate. Emphasize that some decisions may be appropriate in certain situations, but inadequate when circumstances change.
1. Fly a kite
2. Raise your voice to your parents
3. Attend church on worship days
4. Ride a bike
5. Take your friend’s book
6. Camping in an outdoor tent
7. Listen carefully to the teacher
8. Participate in a field day
9. Be kind to others
10. Go to the beach
Save the figures from the bulbs for use next week.
teach the lesson
Tell the story using your own words and modulating the tone of your voice to give it more realism. Another option is to invite someone to help you read and act out the part of Solomon.
Solomon is wise in deciding
“I have taken a long journey to get to Gibeon to worship God,” thought Solomon. “I am very tired and I need to rest to recover my strength.”
As soon as Solomon went to bed, he fell asleep immediately and began to dream.
In the middle of his dream, God appeared to him and said, “Ask me what you want and I will give it to you.”
“Lord,” answered Solomon, “you were very good to my father David. Now you have allowed me to be king of this great nation. But I am very young and I do not know how to be a good king. I am not wise enough. Give your servant wisdom to govern your people. Help me know what is good and what is bad.”
“You have asked for something very good,” said God. You could have asked for long life or wealth. But, since you have asked for wisdom to govern the people, I will give you what you want. There will be no one wiser than you. And since your request was unselfish, I will give you much more; I will give you many riches and glory. In addition, if you follow my ways and obey me, as your father David did, I will also give you a long life.”
Solomon woke up and realized that it had been a dream. But God fulfilled his promise and endowed Solomon with great wisdom. And he was known throughout the world as the wisest king in history.
Solomon wrote and collected wise sayings throughout his life, some of which are written in the Bible in the book of Proverbs.
connect the lesson
Solomon and his decision
Distribute Student Activity Sheet #161-A and #161-B and pencils. Explain to the children that they must choose the correct word to complete each sentence in Student Activity Sheet #161-A. Tell them to use the letters in the shaded/ colored boxes from their first three answers to complete the last sentence.
Remind them that Solomon made the right decision by asking God for wisdom to lead the people.
When they finish the first activity, go to Student Activity Sheet #161-B. Allow time for them to cut out the figures from the bottom. Tell them to paste them in the appropriate blank spaces. As they work, explain why it is important to seek help in making wise decisions, and where they can find it:
• Bible. If in making decisions we follow biblical principles, we are sure that God will be pleased with our choice. The Bible is full of good advice that helps us make wise decisions.
• Prayer. Through prayer, we ask God to help us decide.
• Jesus. He is always willing to help us when we must make decisions. He is wise and knows what is best for us.
• Parents. They love us and want us to make the best decisions.
• Pastor. He/She cares about our spiritual well-being and is willing to help us make decisions that please God and our parents.
Talk with the children about the impact of their decisions. Remind them that Solomon’s decision in his youth impacted the rest of his life and that of his people.
practice the memory verse
Write the memory verse on a piece of poster board and place it in a visible place in the room.
Ask the girls to come forward and read it; then ask the boys to do it. Then choose different groups (for example, all those who have black shoes, those who are not wearing shoes, everyone who has clothes of the same color, etc.). Continue the game with different variants, until the verse has been read at least five times.
Finally, ask some volunteers to say it by heart.
Hand out the verse cards of the month so they can take them home and review the verse with their parents.
wrap-up
Pray
Come together to pray. Ask the Lord to help everyone make wise decisions during the week, and intercede for each other.
Encourage
Sing a song before saying goodbye, ask everyone to put away the materials they used. Encourage the students to help you clean the meeting area.
Invite
Tell the children something interesting about the next session and invite them to return. Ask them: "How many of you decided to invite friends to our meetings?" Praise those who did so.
* Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™
* Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™