1 Kings

1 Kings 3: The LORD gives a wise heart

Begin in prayer

Before we read about Solomon's prayer at Gibeon, let us draw near to the Lord together. Ask Him to give us wisdom from above, and to show us Christ, the wisdom of God.

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him.

James 1:5

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Show us that wisdom comes from You, and help us to trust You and Your Son, Jesus. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

Solomon loves the LORD, but he still offers sacrifices in the high places, where the people worship before the house of the LORD is built. At Gibeon, the LORD appears to him in a dream and says, “Ask for what I should give you.” Solomon asks for an understanding heart to judge God's people, and the LORD gives him wisdom, and also riches and honor. Two women come to the king with a dispute over one living child, and Solomon asks for a sword to divide it. When the true mother begs him to spare the child, the king gives the living child to her.

As you read 1 Kings 3, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

The LORD gave young King Solomon a wise heart to judge His people.

Solomon had just taken David's throne, and he called himself a little child (verse 7). At Gibeon the LORD invited him to ask, and Solomon asked for a heart that could tell good from evil (verses 5 to 9). The LORD was pleased, because Solomon did not ask for long life, riches or the death of his enemies (verses 10 and 11). So He gave a wise and understanding heart, and said no one before or after would be like Solomon (verse 12). He also gave riches and honor, and promised a longer life if Solomon walked in His ways (verses 13 and 14). The chapter says Solomon loved the LORD, and it also says he sacrificed in the high places (verse 3). The wisdom was a gift, for Solomon could not make himself wise. All Israel saw it when he judged the two women, because the wisdom of God was in him to do justice (verse 28). Christ Jesus became wisdom from God to those who are in Him (1 Corinthians 1 verse 30).

How does 1 Kings 3 show us that the LORD gave young King Solomon a wise heart to judge His people?

Solomon asks the LORD for an understanding heart.

Solomon said he was a little child who did not know how to go out or come in (verse 7). He asked for an understanding heart to judge God's great people, so that he could tell good from evil (verse 9). The Lord was pleased that he asked for this (verse 10).

The LORD gives Solomon a wise heart and more.

The LORD said that He had done what Solomon asked, and given him a wise and understanding heart (verse 12). He also gave him riches and honor, which Solomon did not ask for (verse 13). If Solomon walked in the LORD's ways, the LORD would lengthen his days (verse 14).

All the treasures of wisdom are in Christ.

The LORD gave Solomon wisdom so that he could judge His people (verses 9 and 12). Paul wrote that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ (Colossians 2 verse 3). Paul wrote that Christ Jesus became wisdom from God to those in Him, with righteousness and redemption (1 Corinthians 1 verse 30).

Memorise

Behold, I have given you a wise and understanding heart.

1 Kings 3:12

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, do I lack wisdom, and do I ask God for it through His Son?

Solomon knew that he was a little child before so great a people, and he asked the LORD for a wise heart. Jesus is the wisdom of God, and even the wisest of kings needed Him.

We cannot see our own sin as God sees it, and we cannot judge ourselves rightly. Jesus died the death that sinners had earned, and the Father raised Him from the dead. He offered Himself once for all.

So come to Him, turn from your sin, and put your trust in Jesus. Ask Him for wisdom, and ask Him first for forgiveness. All who believe in Him have their sins forgiven, and He gives wisdom to those who ask.

Parent's note

Tell your children that the LORD gives wisdom, and that Jesus is the wisdom of God who saves sinners. Parents, you may want to explain verses 16 to 28 in your own words, because the text calls the two women prostitutes. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God that He gave Solomon a wise heart, and bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. All those who do his work have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!

Psalm 111:10

Father, thank You that the fear of You is the beginning of wisdom. Thank You for giving Solomon a wise heart, and for Jesus, the wisdom of God, who gave Himself for His people. Turn each of us from our sin, and help us to trust Jesus. Give us understanding hearts this week. Amen.