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    The Judgment of Solomon: Sunday School Lesson

    1 Kings 3

    Ages 7–12 ~40 min Memory: 1 Kings 3:9

    Print this page straight from your browser — the story, memory verse, discussion questions and craft all fit on one sheet.

    Big Idea

    Wisdom is asking God for the right thing, not just the big thing.

    Story Summary

    God told young King Solomon to ask for whatever he wanted. He asked not for riches or long life but for an understanding heart to judge God's people — and God gave him wisdom and riches besides. Soon after, two women claimed the same baby, and Solomon's famous test revealed the true mother's love.

    Read the full retelling →

    Memory Verse (KJV)

    “Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad.”

    1 Kings 3:9

    Discussion Questions

    1. What could Solomon have asked for? What did he ask for instead?
    2. How did Solomon discover which woman was the real mother?

      Teacher hint: The true mother would rather give up the child than see him harmed (1 Kgs 3:26).

    3. What is the difference between being clever and being wise?
    4. What would you ask God for if He said 'ask what I shall give thee'?

    Craft Idea: Wisdom Scales

    Supplies

    • A coat hanger or stick
    • String
    • Two paper cups
    • Slips of paper

    Steps

    1. Tie a cup to each end of the hanger to make simple scales.
    2. Write choices on slips — 'money', 'fame', 'wisdom', 'kindness'.
    3. Weigh them and talk about what Solomon chose.
    4. Write 1 Kings 3:9 on the hanger.

    Printable Worksheet

    Print the lesson page for the memory verse and take-home questions.

    Coloring page This Sunday's lesson

    Lesson flow (45 minutes)

    1. Welcome (5 min): Pray, then read the memory verse aloud three times together.
    2. Story (10 min): Tell the story summary in your own words; open a KJV to 1 Kings 3.
    3. Discussion (10 min): Walk through the questions above. Let every child answer at least once.
    4. Craft (15 min): Make the wisdom scales.
    5. Wrap-up (5 min): Hand out the worksheet to finish at home and recite the memory verse one last time.

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    Where to go next

    Teaching The Judgment of Solomon? Here is what to grab next for your class.