For Kids · 3 min with a grown-up
Solomon was the wisest king in the world. But today we learn that even the wisest person has to take care of one important thing: their heart.
Today's Story
For many years, Solomon followed God and did wonderful things. But as Solomon got older, something quiet and sad began to happen inside him.
Little by little, Solomon let his heart wander away from God. He started paying attention to other things and other gods, instead of keeping his heart fully on the one true God who had given him everything.
It didn't happen all at once. It happened slowly, one small step at a time, until Solomon's heart wasn't all-the-way God's anymore.
God was sad about it. He told Solomon that one day the kingdom would be split apart. But even then, God was full of mercy. “Because I loved your father David,” God said, “I will still keep part of the kingdom for your family.”
Here's the lesson for all of us: being smart isn't enough. Even the wisest man in the world had to guard his heart and keep it fully for God. That's a job for every single day.
A Big Word
Talk About It
- Solomon's heart wandered slowly, one small step at a time. How can little choices add up over time, for good or for bad?
- What are some ways we can keep our hearts close to God every day?
- Even when Solomon messed up, God was still merciful. How does it feel to know God is patient with us?