Once upon a time, there was a young king named Solomon. He was the son of King David, and now he was the new king of Israel. Solomon was very happy but also a little worried. He thought, “How can I be a good king and help my people?”
One night, God appeared to Solomon in a dream. The stars twinkled softly outside, and the moonlight kissed the trees. God said, “Ask for anything you want. I will give it to you.” Solomon thought very carefully. He could ask for riches, a long life, or to defeat his enemies. But Solomon wanted something very special.
He said, “Please give me wisdom. I want to know the right thing to do and to be a good king for your people.” God was very happy with Solomon’s choice. God said, “Because you asked for wisdom and not for something for yourself, I will give you wisdom. I will also give you riches and honor, more than anyone else.”
The next day, Solomon woke up feeling excited and thankful. He knew God would help him. When he went to the city, people came to him with many questions. Solomon listened carefully and gave wise answers. Everyone was amazed at how smart and kind he was.
One time, two women came to Solomon. They both said, “This baby is mine!” Solomon thought deeply. Then he said, “Cut the baby in two, and give half to each woman.” One woman said, “No! Give the baby to the other woman.” The other woman said, “Yes, cut the baby!” Solomon smiled and said, “The real mother is the one who wants the baby to live.” Everyone saw how wise Solomon was.
Solomon’s wisdom helped the people live happily and safely. The trees in the gardens seemed to dance with joy, and the birds sang sweet songs. Solomon knew it was God’s gift that made everything better. He thanked God every day for the special wisdom.
Do you think you would ask God for wisdom if you were a king? Wisdom is like a bright light inside your heart that helps you choose what is right. God loves to give wisdom to everyone who asks with a kind heart.
And so, Solomon’s story teaches us that asking God for wisdom is very important. When we listen to God, He helps us make good choices and love others well. Just like Solomon, we can trust God to guide us every day.
Questions to think about
- Who was Solomon?
- What did God offer to give Solomon in his dream?
- What did Solomon ask God for?
- How did Solomon show he was wise?
- Why is it good to ask God for wisdom?
Message of the story
God loves to give us wisdom when we ask Him. He helps us make good choices and care for others with love.
Bible passage
1 Kings 3:3-28
1 Kings 3:3-28 (ICB)
3 Solomon loved the Lord. He walked in the laws of his father David. But he also offered sacrifices and burned incense on the places where the Lord said his name should be honored.
4 The king went to Gibeon. There he offered a thousand burnt offerings to the Lord.
5 That night, God appeared to Solomon in a dream. God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”
6 Solomon answered, “You showed great love to your servant David my father. He was honest and true and did what was right for you. You have made me king in his place.
7 Now, Lord my God, you have made me king instead of my father. But I am only a young man. I don’t know how to lead your people well.
8 Your servant is here among your people you chose. They are very many,
