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1 Kings 3 · Grade 5

An Understanding Heart

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Read and Think

Solomon's reign began with love for God. He walked in David's statutes, though he still sacrificed at the high places, since the temple was not yet built. At Gibeon, after a thousand burnt offerings, God appeared to him in a dream with an open offer: Ask for what I should give you.

Solomon's answer is a model of humble prayer. He praised God's faithfulness to David, admitted that he was like a little child, and asked for an understanding heart to judge God's people. The request pleased the Lord. God gave him a wise and understanding heart, so that no one before or after would be like him. God also gave riches and honor, and promised long life if Solomon would walk in His ways.

The case of the two mothers shows this wisdom at work. With no witnesses, it was one woman's word against another. Solomon called for a sword and gave an order that would show what was in each heart. The true mother's love moved her to give up her claim so her son would live. Solomon gave her the child, who was never harmed. Israel saw that the wisdom of God was in him to do justice. In the New Testament, James says that anyone who lacks wisdom should ask God, who gives to all liberally (James 1:5).

Show What You Know

  1. Why did Solomon sacrifice at the high places?

  2. What three things did Solomon do in his prayer?

  3. What moved the true mother to give up her claim?

  4. What does James say about wisdom?

Crossword

54321

Across

  1. And laid her dead ____ in my bosom.
  2. Yahweh appeared to Solomon in a ____ by night.
  3. Give your servant therefore an understanding heart to ____ your people.

Down

  1. And in uprightness of ____ with you.
  2. She is his ____.

Think About It

  1. James says God gives wisdom liberally. What decision can you pray about this week?

  2. Solomon saw himself as a little child before God. How does humility help you learn?

Memory Verse

Give 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?”

1 Kings 3:9 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for giving wisdom. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

  • If God asked what you wanted, what would you ask for?
  • How can humility help you pray?
  • What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?

Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.