Introduction
Every day children have to make decisions: tell the truth or lie, share or be selfish, obey or do what they want. Some choices seem small, but each one can be an opportunity to learn to do what is right before God.
In this Bible class we will meetSolomon, a young king who had the opportunity to ask God for whatever he wanted. Instead of choosing riches, power, or fame, he asked for something much more valuable:an understanding heart, full of wisdom to do what is right. The class is based on1 Kings 3:9and the phrase: “Give your servant an understanding heart.” Bible classes (8)
Summary of the Bible class
Solomon was a young king. One day, God told him he could ask for whatever he wanted.
Solomon had many options. He could ask for riches, power, or fame, but he decided to ask for something different:wisdom.
He asked God for an understanding heart because he wanted to do what was right. God was pleased with his request because Solomon was not thinking only of himself. So God gave him wisdom and many more blessings. Bible classes (8)
This story helps children understand that we can turn to God when we don't know what to do and ask Him to help us make good decisions.
Objective of the class
For the children to understand thatGod can give them wisdom to choose correctlyand learn to seek His help when they have to make a decision.
The main teaching of the class is simple and practical:
God wants us to make good decisions.Bible classes (8)
Base Bible text
1 Kings 3:9
Give your servant an understanding heart.
To help the children memorize it, the material suggests repeating the verse among the teacher, children, and the whole group, accompanied by gestures:
- Heartto place the hand on the chest.
- Understoodto place the hand on the head. Bible classes (8)
Main teaching: Solomon asked for wisdom
The story of Solomon teaches us that the most striking or attractive things are not always the most important.
When God allowed him to ask for whatever he wanted, Solomon could have thought about everything he could receive for himself. However, he asked for wisdom to be able to do what is right.
We can explain to children that they also need wisdom.
They need it when they have to decide whether to tell the truth, when someone needs them to share, when their parents ask them to obey, or when they have to choose what is right at school.
The lesson also teaches something very important about prayer:
God listens when we talk to Him.Bible classes (8)
That is why, when a child doesn't know what to do, they can talk to God and ask for help.
Practical application
We can help children relate Solomon's teaching to situations they experience every day.
At home
They can demonstrate wisdom when:
- they tell the truth;
- they obey.
At school
They can demonstrate wisdom when:
- they choose to do what is right;
- they are fair.
We can ask them:
What do you do when you don't know what to do?
Who do you ask for help?
The answer proposed by the class is simple:
God.Bible classes (8)
In this way, children will understand that biblical wisdom is not just knowing many things, but seeking God's help to choose well.
Phrase to remember
God gives me wisdom to choose well.
This is the key phrase of the class and can be repeated several times along with the children. bible classes (8)
Questions to discuss with children
You can use these questions during or after the lesson:
- What did Solomon ask God for?
- Did Solomon ask for money or wisdom?
- Why was God pleased with what Solomon asked for?
- What do you do when you don't know what to do?
- Who can you ask for help when you need to make a good decision?
The first questions are part of the comprehension activity proposed in the class. bible classes (8)
Suggested activity: “Wise Heart”
A simple way to reinforce the lesson is to do the craft“Wise Heart”.
Material
- A sheet with the figure of a heart.
- Materials to decorate.
Instructions
Give each child a sheet with a heart.
Inside the heart they should write:
“God, give me wisdom.”
Then they can decorate their heart.
While they work, remind them of the lesson:
God can help you make good decisions.Bible classes (8)
The resource also includes at its final pages aword search about Solomon and wisdom, in addition to acoloring sheet of Solomonwith the phrase “Give your servant an understanding heart,” which can be used as complementary activities.
Bible game: "Right Decision
Before ending the class, you can also play the game proposed in the material.
Present two options and let the children identify which one is correct.
For example:
- Telling the truth or lying.
- Sharing or being selfish.
After each answer, reinforce the teaching:
“Choosing well pleases God.”Bible classes (8)
Final prayer
Lord Jesus, help me to make good decisions. Give me a wise heart. Amen.
To conclude, everyone can say together the statement included in the lesson:
“With God's help, I will live His Word.”
