Solomon's Wisdom - A Gift from God

Wow! Imagine if God asked YOU that question! What would you ask for? Money? A mansion? Super powers? Fame?

Solomon thought carefully. He could have asked for riches, long life, or victory over his enemies. But instead, Solomon said, "O LORD my God, you have made me king, but I am like a little child. I don't know how to carry out my duties! Your people are so numerous - who can govern them? So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong!"

The LORD was very pleased that Solomon had asked for this! God said, "Since you have asked for wisdom to govern justly instead of long life or wealth or the death of your enemies, I will do what you have asked! I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never be anyone like you! Moreover, I will give you what you have NOT asked for - both wealth and honor! And if you walk in my ways and obey me like your father David did, I will give you a long life!"

Solomon woke up and realized it had been a dream - but God's promise was real! God gave Solomon extraordinary wisdom!

Soon, Solomon's wisdom was put to the test. Two women came to him with a difficult problem. They both lived in the same house and had given birth to babies around the same time. But one baby died during the night.

Both women claimed that the living baby was hers! "The dead baby is hers!" said one. "No! The living baby is mine!" said the other. They argued back and forth. There were no witnesses. How could Solomon know who was telling the truth?

Solomon said, "Bring me a sword!" Everyone gasped! Then Solomon said, "Cut the living baby in two, and give half to one and half to the other!"

One woman said, "Yes! That's fair! If I can't have him, she can't either!"

But the other woman cried out, "No, my lord! Give her the living baby! Don't kill him!" She loved her child so much she would rather give him up than see him harmed!

Then Solomon said, "Give the living baby to the woman who doesn't want him killed. She is his real mother!"

When the people heard about this judgment, they stood in awe of the king! They realized that God had given Solomon divine wisdom!

People from all nations came to listen to Solomon's wisdom! He spoke 3,000 proverbs and wrote 1,005 songs! He could teach about plants, from the giant cedars to the tiny hyssop growing out of walls! He taught about animals, birds, reptiles, and fish! Kings from everywhere sent their ambassadors to hear Solomon's wisdom!

Solomon also built a magnificent temple for the LORD - the most beautiful building ever constructed! It took seven years to build, with walls covered in pure gold!

Solomon became the richest, wisest, and most famous king in the world! He had everything! But later in his life, Solomon made a terrible mistake - he married many foreign women who led him away from God. He started worshiping their false gods!

This teaches us an important lesson: Even though Solomon was wise, he still needed to keep following God! Wisdom is a wonderful gift, but we must use it to stay close to God and obey Him!

The best part? James 1:5 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all!" Just like Solomon, we can ask God for wisdom! God loves to give wisdom to those who ask!

Big idea: God is always with us and loves us very much!