📖 From the Bible
Solomon asked, “Please give me a wise heart, so I can lead Your people well and tell right from wrong. Who else could handle such a big nation?” God was really pleased with that.
9Give your servant therefore an understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this great people of yours?” 10This request pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.
This is how we tell this passage to kids. The exact words of the Bible are under “As it is in the Bible”.
1 Kings 3:9-10 · Scripture: World English Bible Updated (public domain)
What if God said to you, “Ask for anything you want”? What would you say? A new bike? No more spelling tests, ever? A young king got an offer just like that, for real. And God was really pleased with his answer.
Solomon became king after his dad, David. He was still very young. One night God spoke to him in a dream. He said, “Ask for what I should give you.” Sounds like a story about a genie with three wishes, right? Solomon could ask for anything at all.
He could have asked for piles of gold. He could have asked for a really long life. He could have asked for his enemies to disappear. But he didn’t. He said, “I am just a little child.” He told God he didn’t know how to do this big job, and asked for an understanding heart, one that can tell right from wrong. Pretty wise thing to ask, huh?
Solomon wasn’t asking for himself. He wanted to be a good king, so life would go well for the people in his country. God was really happy about that. He gave Solomon wisdom. And then He added something Solomon hadn’t asked for at all: riches and fame. So Solomon asked for the most important thing, and the rest came as a gift. God added one more thing: if Solomon followed His ways, like his dad David did, he would live a long life.
Did you know?
Jesus once said something very much like this. He told people not to worry about what they would eat or what they would wear. Instead, He said, first look for what matters to God. God will take care of the rest. Solomon did exactly that. He started with the most important thing, and everything else came after.
Look at Jesus
Solomon asked God for wisdom. And the Bible says that when Jesus was growing up, He “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” That means Jesus learned and grew, just like you. And you can ask Him for help to choose well, too.
What about you?
Is your birthday coming up? You probably have a wish list. That’s a good thing. But add one more wish, just for God. Not for a present. Try something like: “God, give me wisdom to help my friend who’s having a hard time.” Or: “Help me sort out the fight with my brother or sister.” God loves prayers like that.
Let’s talk about it
- If God said, “Ask for anything,” what would be on your list?
- Why didn’t Solomon ask for anything for himself? Or can you think of something else?
- Where could you use some wisdom today: at home, in class or on the field?
Today’s challenge
Before you do something hard today, say in your head: “God, give me wisdom.” Try it before school, before a talk with your mom or dad, or before practice.
Prayer
God, what I need most is wisdom, so I can make good choices and treat people well. Give me a heart that knows how to listen. Thank You that You want to help me. Amen.
Tap when you have prayed.