Solomon Asks God for Wisdom

This lesson is taken from 1 Kings 3:9-13

Solomon asked God to give him a kind heart so he could rule over God's people and know the difference between right and wrong. For who would be able to rule over these great people of God's.

The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked this.

So God said to Solomon, “Since you have asked me for this and you didn't ask for a long life or wealth for yourself, and you didn't ask for the death of your enemies. But you asked for kindness in ruling with justice. I will do what you have asked me. I will give you a wise and kind heart, and there will never be anyone like you. But, I will also give you what you have not asked for. I will give you both riches and honor, so that in your lifetime, you will have no equal among kings.

Discussion:

Solomon was given a chance to have anything in the world. But, Solomon chose widsom, and a kind heart, in order to rule well and make the right choice.

We can ask God for wisdom as well. Also, notice that Solomon asked for a kind heart in order to be a good ruler. Solomon didn't ask God to do the job for him. We shouldn't ask God to do any jobs He has planned for us. Instead we should ask God to give us the wisdom to know what to do and to have the courage to start the job and finish the job that He wants us to do. We can ask God to help us to know how to do the job, but we are to do the job.

Solomon asked for wisdom, not for wealth. But God gave Solomon riches and a long life as well. But, God doesn't promise us riches, He will give us what we need. All we have to do is put God first, what He wants us to do first, and His principles first. When we set out to get rich, that only leads to waiting more and more. But, when you put God first you will be happy with what God gives you.

Solomon received his wisdom from God, but it was up to Solomon to use that wisdom in his life. We also have God's wisdom available to us. But we have to pray and ask God for wisdom. But, just like Solomon we must put whatever God gives us to use in our life.

Questions Fill in the Blanks:

1. Solomon asked God to give him a kind __________ so he could rule over God's people and know the differences between _____________ and ____________.
2. God said to Solomon, “Since you have asked me for this and you didn't ask for a long ___________ or __________ for yourself, and you didn't ask for the _____________ of your enemies.
3. But you asked for _____________ in ruling with ______________. I will do what you have asked me.
4. I will give you a ____________ and _______________ heart.
5. But, I will also give you what you have not asked for. I will give you both ______________ and ________________, so that in your lifetime, you will have no _______________ among kings.

Word Find:

Solomon	Wealth	Justice
Wisdom	Long life	Honor
Right	Death	Lifetime
Wrong	Enemies	Kings
Kind heart	Ruling

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How many extra words can you find?