Series Description
Though it’s true God has created each of us with unique gifts and desires, it all falls apart if we don’t seek wisdom from God in everything we say and do.
Our world is all about popularity, appearance, and intelligence, but in God’s kingdom, wisdom is of far greater value. Jesus showed us perfectly what a wise life looks like: stay connected to God and seek God’s best in every circumstance. Then follow through and do it!
As we continue to journey with God’s people through the story of Scripture, we meet the kings of Israel and Judah—those who made wise choices and those whose foolish choices brought down a nation. Through the lives of David and Solomon, we also take a look at the Bible’s wisdom literature in the Psalms and Proverbs. Kids will discover that true wisdom comes through constant connection with God, just as a well-rooted tree on river banks draws life from the water. And the best news of all? God wants us to ask for wisdom and delights to give it.
Memory Verse
It is much better to get wisdom than gold. It is much better to choose understanding than silver.
Proverbs 16:16, NIrV
Application
Wisdom: Finding out God’s best and doing it.
Week 1 (October 5)
Samuel Anoints David
Samuel Anoints David | 1 Samuel 16:1-13
Bottom Line: God helps you make the wise choice.
Conversation Starter: What does it mean to be wise?
We’ll start off the month with God sending Samuel to choose Israel’s next king. Even though David was the youngest and least important of Jesse’s sons, Samuel listened to God and wisely chose to anoint David. We immediately see the wisdom of Samuel’s choice, as David relied on wisdom from God to defeat Goliath with only a slingshot and a stone.
Week 2 (October 12)
David & the Psalms
David & the Psalms | Psalm 1:1-4 (Supporting: Psalm 23:1-2; 8:1; 18:2)
Bottom Line: If you want to be wise, focus on God.
Conversation Starter: How do you know what’s wise?
In week 2, we’ll take a look at David’s life, from his days in the fields as a shepherd to his reign as one of Israel’s best kings. We’ll focus on the Psalms that David helped to write and collect, including Psalm 1:1-4, along with Psalm 23:1-2; 8:1; and 18:2. In Psalm 1, we discover that wise people focus on and find joy in God’s laws. They soak up God’s Word like a tree rooted by the river draws up fresh water.
Week 3 (October 19)
Solomon Chooses Wisdom
Solomon Chooses Wisdom | 1 Kings 3:4-15 (Supporting: Proverbs 15:1; 3:5-6; 17:17)
Bottom Line: You can ask God for wisdom.
Conversation Starter: When do you need wisdom?
In week 3, we take a look at David’s son Solomon. Israel was a mighty nation when Solomon became king as a young man – and he knew that he couldn’t lead the people well on his own. So instead of fame or riches, Solomon asked God for wisdom. And wow, did God deliver! Solomon became known as one of the wisest men to ever live, in spite of later mistakes he made. During his life, Solomon collected wise sayings, many of which are recorded in Proverbs. We’ll take a look at Proverbs 15:1; 3:5-6; and 17:17.
Week 4 (October 26)
The Kings
The Kings | 1 & 2 Kings
Bottom Line: Be wise because your choices matter.
Conversation Starter: Why do your choices matter?
We’ll wrap up the month in First and Second Kings. Yes, you heard that right – we’re taking a high-level roller coaster ride through all the kings of Israel and Judah! We’ll land on a few kings, like Rehoboam and Ahab, who led the people far from God with their foolish choices. And we’ll highlight several more, like Hezekiah and Josiah, who made wise choices, leading the people back to God.