During the lesson, the information for you to know is written in regular type, and what we suggest speaking or reading aloud to children is in bold. All resources for this lesson, including the Teacher Guide and Student Page, can be downloaded in a ZIP file by clicking on the following link:
In some lessons you will find "resource articles." These are articles written by experts from around the world to help equip you for your work with children and adolescents. Share them with parents or guardians if you consider it appropriate.
Before class, cut or tear apart the Bible verses from Proverbs 1:1–9 at the end of this lesson. You should have 9 pieces total, with 1 verse on each piece. Hide the verses around your teaching space.
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
James 1:5
Imagine you were given the opportunity to ask for anything you wanted. What would you request? King Solomon was given this one-of-a-kind opportunity to ask God for anything, and he asked for wisdom to lead well. God was pleased with this unselfish request. So He not only gave Solomon his heart’s desire, but He also blessed Solomon with wealth, possessions, and honour. Solomon became so well known for his knowledge and understanding that people came from all over the ancient world to seek his wisdom.
We are also invited to ask God for wisdom. He promises to fulfil this request by giving generously. Do you need God’s wisdom in a challenging situation? Ask Him! Do you need His wisdom so you can advise and help others? Go before the throne of the all-knowing Creator of the world! As you ask for wisdom, you can trust that God will answer with loving generosity.
Encourage the teens to ask a family member, “Who is the wisest person you know? What makes that person so wise?” They can then share about the wisdom of the Bible, which helps us to live better, safer, and healthier lives.
Teacher Tip: If possible, email or text the Family Connection Card to the families of your students.
As the students arrive, ask them, “If you could have anything in the world, what would it be? Why?” When you are ready to begin class, gather the group together and ask the same question of the whole class. Allow 4–5 students to share their answers with the group. Then ask the whole class the following questions.
Many of these things would be very valuable to have. Do you think they are treasures?
Why or why not?
Many of you would ask for physical things, which is okay. Are there things that are more valuable than physical possessions? What would they be?
We are seeking something very valuable today—something all of us want and need. According to the Bible, it is one of the greatest treasures in the world. I have hidden 9 clues about this treasure around our space. You will have a few minutes to look for clues. If you find a clue, keep it with you and sit down in your seat. We will keep searching until all 9 have been found.
Give the students about 5 minutes to find the clues. Once all of the verses have been found, have everyone sit down. Have students read the verses in order from Proverbs 2:1–9. All 9 verses are printed here for your reference.
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path.
Proverbs 2:1–9
After the students have finished reading the verses, ask:
What is the treasure these verses tell us about?
Allow 2–3 teens to share their responses. Possible answers may include wisdom, understanding, insight, and knowledge of God.
How could wisdom be a treasure?
Allow 2–3 teens to share their ideas.
The verses we just read are from the book of Proverbs in the Bible. This book is filled with wisdom to help you to live a godly life. A “proverb” is a wise saying. Many of the proverbs in the Bible were written and collected by a wise king named Solomon. He was the son of David, Israel’s greatest king.
What is the source of wisdom? Why do you believe this is true?
Allow 2–3 students to share their ideas.
Let’s see what the Bible says about the source of wisdom.
Have a student read Proverbs 2:6 aloud from the Bible. If that is not possible, the verse is printed here.
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 2:6
God is the source of all wisdom. Listen as I share about one night when something incredible happened to young King Solomon. That day, he had been praying and worshipping God. Let’s read what happened that night.
Optional: If possible, share the image from The Action Bible.
That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon answered God, “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place. Now, Lord God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
2 Chronicles 1:7–10
King Solomon could have asked for anything. Why do you think he chose wisdom?
Allow 2–3 teens to share their thoughts.
Solomon could have asked for anything in the world. He could have asked for wealth, power, or honour. He could have asked to have victory over his enemies. His request for wisdom may seem surprising. But Solomon knew the true value of wisdom. Let’s find out how God answered Solomon’s request.
God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.”
2 Chronicles 1:11–12
How did God answer Solomon’s prayer?
God said He would give Solomon wisdom and knowledge and things he had not asked for such as wealth and honour.
Why do you think God gave Solomon more than he asked for?
Allow 2–3 students to share their thoughts.
Optional: If you are using The NIV Action Study Bible, the teens can look at the illustrations in Proverbs 17 and 22.
Solomon led the nation of Israel wisely and well for many years. Because of the wisdom God gave him, Solomon is known as the “wisest man who ever lived.”
Solomon shared that wisdom in the book of Proverbs. Listen to a verse he wrote about wisdom.
If you are using the Memory Verse Poster, show it to the students.
For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.
Proverbs 8:11
Why would wisdom be more precious than rubies?
Allow 2–3 students to share their thoughts.
Wisdom is the ability to understand what is true and right. It is different than knowledge. It is more than being smart or good at schoolwork. Knowledge is information gained from learning and experience. Wisdom is the ability to use what you know to do what is true and right to help yourself and others.
How could wisdom help you to lead a better life?
Allow 2–3 students to share their thoughts.
How could wisdom guide you to help others?
Allow 2–3 students to share their thoughts.
Wisdom helps you to understand the best ways to live. It helps you to stay safe, make good decisions, and have good relationships with others. Wisdom is a treasure because it can help in every area of life.
Here are some benefits of wisdom:
Wisdom is something everyone should seek, not just kings and leaders. The very beginning of the book of Proverbs tells us how we can benefit from wisdom. Listen to what it says.
The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young—let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.
Proverbs 1:1–6
According to these verses, what are the benefits of wisdom?
Answers should include ideas such as being wise in relationships, understanding justice, and knowing practical ways to live well.
Listen to another verse about the value of wisdom.
My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble.
Proverbs 3:21–23
How do you think wisdom might help you to walk in safety and not stumble?
Allow 2–3 students to share their answers.
The book of Proverbs tells us more about wisdom.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Proverbs 9:10
According to this verse, “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” What do you think that means?
Allow 2–3 students to share their answers. Then guide them to understand that “fear of the Lord” is respect for, awe of, and obedience to God.
Since we know that wisdom comes from knowledge, how could fearing God bring wisdom?
Allow 2–3 students to share their answers.
Wisdom is very helpful, but true wisdom that comes from God is even better. We can gain knowledge about God by reading the Bible and having a relationship with Him through trust and prayer. True wisdom from God shows us how to use that knowledge and apply it so we can live in better ways. With wisdom that comes from God, we can discern what is true and right according to His plan for our lives. This is even more valuable than worldly wisdom because living rightly for God is the very best way to live.
Though wisdom is a gift of great value, anyone can have it. You do not have to be wealthy or powerful to have this treasure. All you have to do is ask! Listen to what the Bible tells us about receiving the gift of wisdom from God.
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
James 1:5
This verse tells us that when we ask God for wisdom, He does not just give it to us. He gives it generously! How amazing that we can receive this treasure from God by simply asking Him for it! He encourages us to ask for His help. And with His guidance, we can use that wisdom to live better, safer, and more joyful lives.
Even if you don’t have a relationship with God, understanding the wisdom of the Bible can help you to live wisely and have better relationships with others. As we learned from Proverbs, wisdom is good for everyone.
Optional: If you are using the Student Pages, have your students complete the activity.
At the beginning of class, I asked you a question: “If you could have anything in the world, what would it be? Why?” Think about that question again.
Do you still want the same thing? Why or why not? Share your answers with a partner.
Pause briefly to allow the students to share their ideas with their partners.
Did any of you decide you would ask for wisdom? Wisdom is something that can help you to live a better life. It can never be lost, and no one can ever take it from you.
Think about the situations in your life for which you may need wisdom. Maybe you have a big decision to make. Maybe you need to know how to make better friends. Perhaps you need wisdom to deal with a person who is mistreating you. Think about that situation and ask God for wisdom. If you are not sure if you want to ask God for wisdom, think about how wisdom can help you handle that situation in a better way.
Give the students a few minutes to think and pray. Then close the class with a blessing based on
Proverbs 2:6–7:
Blessing: May the Lord give you wisdom and greater knowledge and understanding. May He be your shield as you walk blamelessly, and may the wisdom He brings be pleasant to your soul.
Lead the children in singing this quarter’s song, if possible.
Life on Life ©2020 David C Cook. Reproducible for home or classroom use only. All other uses require written permission from David C Cook [email protected]. All rights reserved.
