Leader Guide

Video Leader Guide

Welcome (1 minute)

Hello, everyone and welcome back! Today is the second lesson of our Superbook adventure titled “King Solomon.” Have you ever needed wisdom to make a very important decision?

Solomon was the third king of Israel and he relied on God’s wisdom to help him lead God’s people. Today, we will learn about how we can ask for wisdom from God, too. Let’s stand and worship Jesus, who fills us with His love, power and wisdom every day! Let’s sing “Trust and Obey.”

Play Video: (Song) Trust and Obey (2.5 minutes)

Be sure to preview the song so you can sing along with the children.

Trust and Obey

SuperTruth and Discussion (2 minutes)

Last time, we learned that true wisdom comes from the internet, right? No, true wisdom comes from God.

What did Chris learn from King Solomon about how to get wisdom? You can ask God and He will give you the wisdom you need.

That’s why our SuperTruth for today is: “I will ask God for wisdom.” Let’s say it together. “I will ask God for wisdom.”

God doesn’t make it difficult to receive His wisdom. He simply wants us to come to Him and ask for it! Our Heavenly Father gives good things to His children, and He will not criticize us for asking Him what to do.

Introduce Condensed Bible Story (1 minute)

If all children watched the Bible story video in the previous lesson, you may skip it here and go straight to the Bible Background Video.

If you were here last time, what happened to Gizmo when the museum was struck by lightning? His circuits were damaged and he became a giant electromagnet; metal objects stuck to him.

What disappeared while the lights were out? Professor Quantum’s important electronic invention, the Mag-Sys.

Chris needed wisdom to discover who took the Mag-Sys. That’s when Superbook took Chris, Joy and Gizmo back to meet King Solomon in Israel, one of the wisest people who ever lived! For those who haven’t seen our Superbook video yet, we are going to watch a short version of “King Solomon.” If you have already seen it, notice the items that stick to Gizmo.

Play Video 4: Condensed Bible Story (9.5 minutes)

Condensed Bible Story

Travel back to ancient Israel as Superbook takes Chris, Joy and Gizmo to meet King Solomon. Witness the suspense as he is faced with a baffling dilemma—and the surprising way he uncovers the truth. The children discover that true wisdom comes from God.

Discussion (2 minutes)

Were you surprised that Solomon asked for wisdom? Why or why not?

King Solomon had to make an important decision about a very complicated situation. What did he have to decide? Two women each claimed to be the mother of the same baby. With no evidence, Solomon had to decide which woman was the true mother of the baby.

Yes, this was not a decision that could be made without God’s wisdom. God gave Solomon the wisdom he needed at just the right time!

Introduce Bible Background Video (1 minute)

In the Bible Background video, we’ll learn more about Solomon and how God blessed him with what he did—and didn’t—ask for! We’ll also explore what he accomplished as Israel’s third king. When Gizmo asks a question, wait for him to give some possible answers, then call out the one you think is right!

Play Video 5: Bible Background (8 minutes)

Bible Background

Play Video 10B: SuperVerse Graphic 2

Graphic loops 2.5 minutes without audio; turn off or freeze video after children repeat the verse.

SuperVerse Graphic 2

“I will ask God for wisdom.”

SuperVerse Discussion (1 minute)

Let’s say our SuperVerse together. 1 Kings 3:12:

“I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart!”

Who was speaking to Solomon in this verse? God was speaking to Solomon in a dream.

In the video we just watched, we learned that the word “wisdom” can be translated as “a discerning heart” or “a hearing heart.” Because God answered Solomon’s prayer, he was able to hear God’s wisdom and make wise decisions about the kingdom of Israel.

Children will have more time to learn the SuperVerse in Small Group. If younger children are not able to memorize the entire verse, be sure they understand its meaning.

Prayer and Send-Off (1 minute)

Let’s pray. Heavenly Father, when Solomon asked for wisdom, You gave him more than what he asked. Thank You for providing a way for us to receive wisdom whenever we need it. Help us remember to seek You first for true wisdom whenever we face important decisions in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

In Small Group, you will play a fast and fun relay game to fill up with God’s wisdom! Let’s go get the “scoop” on how to play!

Teachers take children to Small Group classes for Grades 1–3 and 4–6. If the combined group is small, all children may stay together for Small Group time.

Even though the titleis “King Solomon,”you don’t need to refer to him as such in every reference.

Game

In Large Group, you were asked to watch for items that stuck to Gizmo when he became magnetized. What items did you see? Spears, swords, shield, bowls, other metal objects.

Yes, Gizmo finds himself in some funny situations in each adventure, doesn’t he! If you were here last time, can you name some ways we can receive God’s wisdom? From God’s Word in the Bible; through prayer; through a trusted parent, teacher, or leader, who follows Christ; from the Holy Spirit in our hearts, who helps us understand and apply wisdom.

God is the source of true wisdom, and He promises to give it to us when we ask! Let’s say our SuperVerse together. 1 Kings 3:12:

“I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart!”

Point to the items as you talk. In this game, players will take a plastic measuring cup to the table to get wisdom. The container represents different ways we can receive wisdom from God, such as through prayer or the Bible. You want to get wisdom as quickly as you can! One by one, a player from each team will walk to the table, fill the cup, walk back, and pour it into the team’s container. Then, hand the cup to the next player in line to take a turn. The first team to fill up their container with wisdom wins!

Divide the children into two teams; they do not have to be equal.

Have teams form a line by their containers on opposite sides of the table.

Give a measuring cup to the first player on each team.

Start the game!

Conclusion: There is no limit to the wisdom God will give to us. In fact, it is wise to go to God as quickly as possible and as often as we can to get His wisdom! We need His wisdom to face challenges in our lives, to grow strong in the Lord, and to become more like Jesus. The Bible tells us that God loves to pour out His wisdom upon us when we ask!

Teaching

Let’s say our SuperTruth together: “I will ask God for wisdom.”

God came to Solomon in a dream and told him that he could have anything he wanted. What did Solomon ask for? Wisdom.

Why? He needed God’s wisdom to do the job God gave him to do.

By choosing wisdom, Solomon showed he wanted the things of God first over any selfish desires. Do you remember God’s response? God was so pleased that He gave Solomon what he asked for and also things he didn’t ask for.

Yes, God was very pleased with Solomon’s answer. As we learned in today’s SuperVerse, God said He would give Solomon what he asked for—and then God gave him even more! Read 1 Kings 3:13:

“And I will also give you what you did not ask for—riches and fame! No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life!”

God is pleased when we ask Him for wisdom. It shows that the desire of our heart is to make right choices to please Him and do as Jesus would do. Jesus taught this in Matthew 6:33:

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.”

When we put God first and ask for His wisdom, He will give us everything we need—and more. Solomon said he felt like a little child who didn’t know his way. (See 1 Kings 3:7.) He humbly admitted that the job of being the king of Israel was too big for him to do on his own.

It’s important for us to be humble, too. We may be tempted to say, “I’ve got this! I can figure this out on my own!” Yet in reality, we need God’s help, and we should be quick to ask Him for it.

One of King Solomon’s most famous sayings is found in Proverbs 3:5–6:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.

Have “the professor” sit in the chair and hold up the sign so the children can read it. Let’s welcome our special guest today—the professor who invented the first dry-erase marker to be used in churches. Have the class clap. Now, I will write the SuperTruth on the board so we can discuss it.

Attempt to write on the board using the marker with the cap on. Look perplexed and say: I don’t understand; this is really strange! I’ve never had this happen before. Shake the marker and try again, tapping the marker—still with the cap on. Then just give up and walk toward the class to continue.

Well, I give up; I think the SuperTruth is short enough that we can remember it. Wait a minute; I just got an idea! Look over at the professor. Professor, you invented the dry erase marker for churches; can you help me fix this marker?

The professor calmly removes the cap from the marker and gives it to you. Oh, how silly of me; I didn’t remove the cap; thank you, Professor! I should have asked you to help when I first had trouble! Write the SuperTruth on the board: “I will ask God for wisdom.”

Now, class, you know this is not a real professor who invented dry erase markers for churches. This was just a fun skit to help me illustrate a point. An inventor of a product would have more knowledge about it than anyone else. If you’re having trouble with the product and the inventor is right next to you, wouldn’t it be smart to go right to that person?

Well, God is the ultimate inventor! What did He invent or create? The world and everything in it, the heavens and the earth, humans, animals, plants, etc.

So, who should we go to for wisdom? God.

Yes, He is the creator who formed everything from absolutely nothing! He knows us inside and out. He knows everything about His creation. Jesus came to the earth to live as a man. He experienced everything that we face, and He can help us! In our skit, the professor was with me the whole time I was having trouble with the marker. All I had to do was ask for his wisdom! It is the same with God; He is always near; all we need to do is ask Him for wisdom! Let’s read the SuperTruth on the board together: “I will ask God for wisdom.”

Hold up the “team container” from the Game and scoop out some “wisdom.” As we receive and store God’s wisdom in our hearts, we can apply it in different situations in our lives. Pour a little back into the container. We can also share His wisdom with others who need it! Pour the remainder of the “wisdom” back in the container.

Yes, God gives wisdom for us to apply and share; He is generous so we can be generous, too! Here is God’s promise to us in James 1:5:

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.

Asking God for wisdom is what our Discipleship Challenge is all about for this course.

Discipleship Challenge/Practical Application

Display the model craft that you made. Give a Mag-Sys Pattern to any children who missed Lesson 1 so they can complete the craft at home.

Who remembers our challenge for Lesson 1?

Our challenge was to pray for wisdom as we speak and to use wise words. We were supposed to read and discuss Proverbs 12:18:

Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.

Did any of you have an opportunity to use wise words last week?

How can this verse change our thinking about the power of our words? Words can be negative or positive; they can hurt or heal. We need to be careful and use wisdom when we speak.

Let’s continue to ask God to help us use wisdom as we speak each day. We want to encourage others and bring honor to God.

Hold up the Mag-Sys craft and have a child open Door 2 and read the words aloud. Proverbs 4:23.

I will use wisdom when I make choices.

Our challenge for Lesson 2 is to use wisdom in making choices. We make choices every day; like who we hang out with, or what we read or watch. Our choices can affect our lives two ways: they can help keep us on God’s path, or our choices can cause us to stray from it. Read and discuss Proverbs 4:23 with your family if possible. Then ask for God’s wisdom in making wise choices each day. You will also have a chance to share your experiences the next time we meet.

As we learned in Lesson 1, Jesus said that wise people not only listen to His teachings—they also obey and apply them to their lives! (See Matthew 7:24.)

SuperVerse

Have everyone look at the board and say the SuperVerse aloud together. 1 Kings 3:12:

“I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart!”

Who is speaking in this verse? God.

If you were Solomon, how would you feel hearing these words from God? Excited, relieved, empowered, thankful, overwhelmed, humbled.

God loves His children and wants to empower us to live a victorious life in this world. When we have a wise and understanding heart, we please God, and others recognize that His Spirit is in us. Read 1 Kings 3:28:

When all Israel heard the king’s decision, the people were in awe of the king, for they saw the wisdom God had given him for rendering justice.

When we are filled with the wisdom of God, people will see Him in the choices we make and the actions we take.

As we learn our SuperVerse, we will emphasize the phrase “I will give you” because it’s important to understand that God will give us what we ask for when we ask for things according to His will. With His wisdom and understanding, we can be successful in all we do and wherever we go.

Give each child a SuperVerse Card and have them look at the board to see where their words are within the verse. Be sure to give the phrase card to an older child who is a good reader, as that phrase must be shouted twice during the verse. For smaller classes, children can receive more than one card. Try to give good readers the extra cards first.

Have the children turn their backs to the board and look down at their cards. The goal is for the SuperVerse to be completed by the children shouting the words or phrases on their cards at the appropriate time. Depending on the size of your class, more than one child may say the words at the same time. Cue any children if necessary by asking, “Who has the ____ card?” Repeat the activity. If time permits, collect, shuffle and redistribute the cards to do it again.

Conclusion: Good job everyone. Was it difficult to figure out when to say your words?

Younger children may not be able to memorize the entire SuperVerse. Be sure all children understand its meaning.

Prayer

Solomon told God that he felt like a little child who didn’t know his way. He understood that he did not have the ability to lead God’s great nation properly. He asked the Lord for wisdom to know the difference between right and wrong and to govern God’s people. In doing this, Solomon humbled himself before God. (See 1 Kings 3:7–9.)

If God asked you the same question, what would you be tempted to ask for? Possessions, success at school or in sports, lots of friends, etc.

I think we all might desire those things initially, and these requests are not necessarily wrong. Yet, why do you think that God was so pleased by Solomon’s request for wisdom? He sought God’s kingdom first instead of asking selfishly.

Let’s bow our heads, close our eyes, and pray. First, let’s ask God for a wise and understanding heart to live for Him so we can show His love and goodness to others. Allow time for children to pray silently or aloud.

Now, like Solomon, let’s ask God to help us recognize the difference between right and wrong so we can live our lives according to His Word. Allow time for children to pray.

Close in prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for hearing and answering our prayers today. When we are equipped with Your wisdom and discernment, we can live in a way that pleases You and accomplish all that You have for us to do. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Activity

We have learned a lot about Solomon and wisdom, haven’t we! Who can tell me something about wisdom? True wisdom comes from God; God grants wisdom, we can ask for wisdom, we all need wisdom. 

Good! Who can tell me something about Solomon? He was a king, his father was King David, he was the third king of Israel, he was one of the wisest and wealthiest men on the earth, he asked God for wisdom, he figured out how to tell which woman was the true mother of the baby. 

You are good learners! In this game, we will play as one large group. When it’s your turn, I will whisper something from our video about King Solomon. You can choose to draw it or act it out for the class while they guess what it is—but you cannot say a word! If they can’t guess in 30 seconds, I will choose another player who wants to draw or act it out. If it still isn’t guessed correctly, I will reveal it. Let’s play!   

A different player draws or acts each time.

Whisper the item or event to the player and allow a few seconds to for the player to think before you start the time. Players have 30 seconds to draw or act out their item or person.

Try to give more difficult items from the list to older players.

If time permits: after each answer is revealed, discuss how it ties in with the story.      

Word List

1. Chariot
2. Camel
3. Jerusalem
4. Oil lamp
5. King David dying in bed
6. King Solomon
7. Plate of figs 
8. Baby
9. Two mothers arguing
10. Soldier
11. Sword
12. Solomon’s palace
13. Altar
14. Crown
15. Solomon’s dream
16. Throne
17. Scroll
18. Wisdom
19. God
20. Child
21. Riches or wealth
22. Heart
23. Follow
24. Fame   

Conclusion: You did a good job with some difficult things. Did you like to draw, act or guess the most? The story of Solomon teaches us about God’s desire to give us wisdom so we can live our lives for Him and experience success!   

Object Lesson

Stand behind the table as you talk. Give five sheets of scrap paper to each child and have them make their own paper wads.

Let’s say the SuperTruth together: “I will ask God for wisdom.”

As we have been learning, God is the source of true wisdom, and He wants to give us His wisdom.

Knowing the difference between knowledge and wisdom can be confusing. As we discussed, wisdom isn’t just information or facts—it is the ability to judge what is true or right. Wisdom is knowing how to properly apply the knowledge we have. Let me say that again slowly.

Repeat slowly. Wisdom isn’t just information or facts—it is the ability to judge what is true or right. Wisdom is knowing how to properly apply the knowledge we have.

Have you ever watched a trivia game show on television? Some people know an amazing amount of facts and information. However, this kind of knowledge doesn’t automatically make someone wise!

Point to the item on the table. I have some knowledge about shields.

The sixth-grade helper or other leader should cue the children to begin throwing four of their paper wads at you. As you calmly try to avoid the flying paper wads, continue to talk in a monotone as you recite facts and information.

Shields were carried by King Solomon’s soldiers. They are used for protection. Shields protect soldiers from spears, swords, rocks, arrows, darts, or just about anything someone could throw, even paper wads. Yes, shields are an important part of a soldier’s protection when attacked. Shields are still used today to protect law enforcement officers.

Was I using wisdom? No, you knew a lot of information and facts; yet you didn’t actually use the shield to protect yourself. You didn’t apply the knowledge you had.

Exactly! Knowledge understands that shields protect you. Wisdom applies that knowledge and picks up the shield at the right time! Let’s try this again. Pick up the shield and hold it in front of you to protect yourself. You should each have one paper wad left; ready, aim, throw!

Did I use wisdom that time; if so, how? Yes; you protected yourself with the shield—you applied your knowledge of shields.

Conclusion: Did you have fun throwing the paper wads?

Yes, it looked like it! I liked it much better after I decided to use wisdom to pick up the shield and protect myself! Let’s apply this knowledge now! It is important to memorize Bible verses and learn Bible stories; however, we also must apply our knowledge of God’s Word in our lives to be wise. In Matthew 7:24, Jesus says:

“Anyone who listens to My teaching and follows it is wise!”

So we have to listen to Jesus’ teaching—and do what else to be wise? Follow His teaching.

Craft

Let’s close our eyes and try to say the SuperTruth from memory: “I will ask God for wisdom.”

If you were here last time, why did Chris need wisdom? Chris needed wisdom to find the Mag-Sys, his father’s invention, to save the exhibit.

We all need God’s wisdom to follow His ways and to make the right choices and decisions in our lives. Now, let’s find out what this bookmark is all about. Give each child a bookmark, crayons, colored pencils, or washable markers.

Proverbs 4:7a on your bookmark says:

Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!

Did you know that getting wisdom is wise? Now, why do you think our bookmark is in the shape of a number one? It is important, it’s a priority.

Getting wisdom is very important for us. Another Bible version of Proverbs 4:7 (nkjv) says it this way:

Wisdom is the principal thing.

The word “principal” means the most important, main or number one thing.

Have children color in the letters and numbers on their bookmarks.

You may take your bookmark home. It can be a reminder that getting wisdom is the wisest thing we can do. We should make it a priority in our lives to read God’s Word and ask the Holy Spirit to give us understanding and guidance every day!

Sword Drill

Divide the children into teams of two. Give each pair a Bible, an index card, and a pencil. Have them number 1–10 on their index cards with room to write a word after each number. As an option, pair experienced Bible users with those who are not. The experienced Bible user can quickly look up the verse and the other child may write the answers on the card. If both players are experienced Bible users, they can alternate looking up a verse and writing the answer on the card. Be prepared to help any children with special needs.

Last time, we found verses in the book of Proverbs to learn more about God. In this activity, we will look up verses about God’s wisdom that we can apply in our lives.

Have children close their Bibles and hold them up in the air before each verse. As you call out a Scripture below, write the reference on the board. Since all the verses are in Proverbs, it would be wise to scan quickly when they hold up their “swords” to make sure no one is using their finger as a marker to get a head start! As teams find the scripture, read the fill-in-the-blank question aloud. Teams will find the verse as fast as possible, write the answer on the card, stand up, and hold the card in the air. Call on the winner to read the answer. If it is correct, the team scores a point. If it is incorrect, award a point to each team standing with the correct answer. Do as many verses as time permits. The team with the most points wins.

Raise your swords high in the air! We are going to quickly look up verses in the book of Proverbs to find practical wisdom that we can apply to our lives.

1. Proverbs 4:23. You must guard your _____ above anything else. (Heart)

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

2. Proverbs 4:7. Getting _____ is the wisest thing you can do. (Wisdom)

Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.

3. Proverbs 3:7. Don’t be _____ with your own wisdom. (Impressed)

Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.

4. Proverbs 19:20. You must get all the advice and _____ you can to be wise. (Instruction)

Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.

5. Proverbs 3:13. A person who finds wisdom and gains understanding is _____. (Joyful)

Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding.

6. Proverbs 15:33. _____ of the Lord teaches wisdom. (Fear)

Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.

7. Proverbs 12:15. Wise people _____ to others. (Listen)

Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.

8. Proverbs 28:7. Young people are wise who ____ the law. (Obey)

Young people who obey the law are wise; those with wild friends bring shame to their parents.

9. Proverbs 2:12. Wisdom will save you from _____ people. (Evil)

Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted.

10. Proverbs 29:25. Trusting the Lord means _____. (Safety)

Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.

Conclusion: The more wisdom we have, the more joyful and secure we can be! God’s wisdom will prepare us for what is ahead and help us avoid evil.