Unit 12 • Session 2 Wisdom for God’s People25xecl2jedeh2fzq6w1wy20p-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/... · People came from far away to hear Solomon’s wise words. The Bible teaches

Additional resources are available at gospelproject.com. For free training and session-by-session help, visit MinistryGrid.com/gospelproject.

Use Week of:

BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs; Ecclesiastes; Song of Songs

STORY POINT: Wisdom is loving God and obeying His Word.

KEY PASSAGE: James 1:5a

BIG PICTURE QUESTION: What does God know? God knows

everything.

TEACH THE STORY(15–20 MINUTES)

PAGE 114

EXPERIENCE THE STORY(25–30 MINUTES)

PAGE 116

REVIEW THE STORY(10+ MINUTES)

PAGE 118

Unit 12 • Session 2Wisdom for God’s

People

Unit 12 • Session 2

110 Preschool Worship GuideUnit 12 • Session 2

2

LEADER Bible StudyProverbs; Ecclesiastes; and Song of Songs are three books spanning more than 50 chapters of the Bible. This week’s study follows the story of Solomon, the primary writer of these books. While three books of the Bible are certainly a lot to cover in one session, this brief overview will reveal the wisdom of God for His people as He works out His wise plan for our salvation.

True wisdom comes from God. (See Prov. 2:6.) God made Solomon the wisest man who had ever lived, and people came from all over to listen to his wisdom. (See 1 Kings 4:29-34; 10:1-9.) He wrote most of the Book of Proverbs, which offers practical advice for living wisely. Solomon ruled Israel with great wisdom, but he still turned away from God and pursued His own desires.

Israel needed someone greater than Solomon. God’s plan included that: “Something greater than Solomon is here!” (Matt. 12:42; Luke 11:31). Jesus not only taught God’s wisdom, He displayed it perfectly.

The Book of Ecclesiastes teaches us to think carefully about how we should live our lives. Solomon was searching for something to give meaning to his life. In the end Solomon discovered that following God was—and is—the only way to find real happiness.

Finally, King Solomon wrote Song of Songs, which reveals God’s wisdom for relationships—specifically, between a husband and a wife. In the New Testament, the Book of Ephesians says that Jesus loves the church as a husband loves his wife. (Eph. 5:22-28)

These books are the inspired words of God. The wisdom offered is not merely suggestions for living; it is part of God’s plan for our sanctification. Wisdom in the Bible shows us how to be like Jesus—in how we live, how we speak, and how we think. But wisdom cannot save us. Only Jesus, who perfectly followed God’s wise plan, can rescue us from sin.

111Wise King Solomon

Wisdom for God’s PeopleProverbs; Ecclesiastes; Song of Songs

God gave King Solomon wisdom to lead His people. People came from far away to hear Solomon’s wise words. The Bible teaches that there are two ways to live: a wrong way, doing what is foolish and evil;

and a right way, doing what is wise and good. Solomon wrote down wise thoughts

called proverbs. In the Book of Proverbs, Solomon told God’s

people how to make wise choices. Solomon wrote about getting

along with others, telling the truth, being a good friend, and many other things.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,” Solomon wrote in Proverbs 3:5. He also wrote other wise sayings like, “A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh

word stirs up anger,” and “Even a young man is known

by his actions—by whether his behavior is pure and upright.”Some people do not always listen to

God’s words. Solomon said, “Fools hate wisdom and instruction.” He also said, “A fool

does not want to learn but only wants to say what he thinks,” and “A fool does whatever he thinks is right, but a wise person listens to advice.”

Solomon wrote another book in the Bible called Ecclesiastes. The

Bible Storytelling Tips

• Use scrolls: Roll up three separate sheets of paper to serve as scrolls. Use a different scroll to represent each Bible book represented in the Bible story. Pick up a scroll and “read” the section of the story from Proverbs. Then put that scroll down and pick up another to “read” from Ecclesiastes, and so forth.

• Write it: On a large dry erase board or sheet of paper, draw keywords or pictures from the Bible story as you tell the story. Use your drawings as a summary to recap the Bible story.

The BIBLE Story


Wisdom for God’s PeopleProverbs; Ecclesiastes; Song of Songs

God gave King Solomon wisdom to lead His people. People came from far away to hear Solomon’s wise words. The Bible teaches that there are two ways to live: a wrong way, doing what is foolish and evil;

and a right way, doing what is wise and good. Solomon wrote down wise thoughts

called proverbs. In the Book of Proverbs, Solomon told God’s

people how to make wise choices. Solomon wrote about getting

along with others, telling the truth, being a good friend, and many other things.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,” Solomon wrote in Proverbs 3:5. He also wrote other wise sayings like, “A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh

word stirs up anger,” and “Even a young man is known

by his actions—by whether his behavior is pure and upright.”Some people do not always listen to

God’s words. Solomon said, “Fools hate wisdom and instruction.” He also said, “A fool

does not want to learn but only wants to say what he thinks,” and “A fool does whatever he thinks is right, but a wise person listens to advice.”

Solomon wrote another book in the Bible called Ecclesiastes. The

Bible Storytelling Tips

• Use scrolls: Roll up three separate sheets of paper to serve as scrolls. Use a different scroll to represent each Bible book represented in the Bible story. Pick up a scroll and “read” the section of the story from Proverbs. Then put that scroll down and pick up another to “read” from Ecclesiastes, and so forth.

• Write it: On a large dry erase board or sheet of paper, draw keywords or pictures from the Bible story as you tell the story. Use your drawings as a summary to recap the Bible story.

Book of Ecclesiastes has wisdom for people too. Solomon wrote about money and work and how to live a life that matters. The most important thing, Solomon said, is to love and obey God.

Solomon even wrote a poem. He taught that there is a time for everything: “a time to give birth and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to dig up; a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to tear down and a time to build; a time to cry and a time to laugh; a time to be sad and a time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3:2-4).

Solomon also wrote a poem about love. This poem is called Song of Songs. Solomon wrote this poem to celebrate God’s wise plan for love and marriage.

Christ Connection: God gives us wisdom in the Bible. Wisdom helps us be like Jesus—in how we live, how we talk, and how we think. But wisdom cannot save us. Only Jesus, who perfectly followed God’s wise plan, can rescue us from sin.


TEACH the Story

SESSION TITLE: Wisdom for God’s PeopleBIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs; Ecclesiastes; Song of SongsSTORY POINT: Wisdom is loving God and obeying His Word.KEY PASSAGE: James 1:5aBIG PICTURE QUESTION: What does God know? God knows everything.

Welcome and worship with songGreet preschoolers with a smile. As preschoolers arrive, sing an action song such as “The Lord Gives Wisdom” to engage and welcome them. Begin worship by leading preschoolers in the theme song “Greater Than Anything.”

Watch or tell the Bible storyPrint Proverbs; Ecclesiastes; and Song of Songs on index cards. Mark each book with a card. Lead preschoolers to repeat the name of each book as you open your Bible to it.SAY • God gave King Solomon wisdom to lead His

people. In our Bible story, we will hear about the words Solomon wrote to God’s people in Proverbs; Ecclesiastes; and Song of Songs.

Show the video, or tell the Bible story using the provided storytelling tips. Use the bolded version of the Bible story for young preschoolers.

Practice the key passage and a Bible skillPlace the key passage marker at James 1:5. Invite a child to open your Bible to the key passage. Read the key passage aloud. Assign girls the first part of the verse and boys the second part. Lead each group in saying their part of the key passage. Then switch assignments and lead boys in

• “The Lord Gives Wisdom” song

• “Greater Than Anything” song

• index cards• marker• Bible• “Wisdom for God’s

People” video (optional)

• Bible Story Picture Poster

• Story Point Poster• Giant Timeline

• Bible• Key Passage Marker• Key Passage Poster• “Ask God” song


saying the first part of the verse and the girls in saying the second part of the verse. Then say the verse as a group.SAY • Our key passage tells us to ask God for wisdom. God

is wisest of all! Solomon wrote down wise thoughts to help God’s people make wise choices.

Sing the key passage song “Ask God” together.

Learn the big picture question and answerSAY • Does anyone remember our big picture question?

What does God know? God knows everything. God made everything, so He knows how life works best. God’s wisdom in the Bible shows us how to live. Wisdom helps us be like Jesus.

Respond through song and prayerSAY • Wisdom is loving God and obeying His Word.

God gives us wisdom in the Bible. Wisdom helps us be like Jesus—in how we live, how we talk, and how we think. But wisdom cannot save us. Only Jesus, who perfectly followed God’s wise plan, can rescue us from sin.

Sing “Greater Than Anything” and “Wisdom” as preschoolers move with the music. Prepare for prayer by singing “Jesus, Thank You.” Collect an offering. SAY • God, thank You for Solomon, who wrote wise words

in the Bible. Help us love You and obey Your Word. Help us to be more like Jesus in how we live, how we talk, and how we think. Thank You for sending Jesus, who is perfect and rescues us from our sin. Amen.

Transition to experience the story

• Big Picture Question Poster

• Story Point Poster • “Greater Than

Anything” song• “Wisdom” song• “Jesus, Thank You”

song• offering basket

• countdown video (optional)


EXPERIENCE the Story


Walk a lineMake a tape line on the floor. Invite preschoolers to walk along the line, following a specific direction. Use the directions in the margin or create your own. SAY • You did a good job following my directions. God

wants us to obey Him and follow His directions. Wisdom is loving God and obeying His Word. God gives us wisdom in the Bible. Wisdom helps us be like Jesus. Jesus followed God’s wise plan.

Pass a BibleForm a circle. Play music while preschoolers pass a Bible around the circle. When the music stops, the preschooler holding the Bible must say the story point. Continue play until every preschooler has said the story point at least once.SAY • God gives us wisdom in the Bible. Wisdom is loving

God and obeying His Word. Wisdom helps us be like Jesus in how we live, talk, and think.

Draw hidden picturesGuide children to draw a picture with a white crayon on copy paper. Challenge older preschoolers to draw themselves making a wise choice. Then guide children to paint over their hidden drawings with watercolors. Write

• painter’s tape

Instructions: • Walk backwards.• Take giant steps. • Take baby steps. • Walk on your tiptoes.• Hop. • Skip.

• Bible• “Greater Than

Anything” song (optional)

• “Ask God” song (optional)

• copy paper• white crayons• watercolors• paintbrushes• cups of water• permanent marker


the big picture answer on each child’s drawing.SAY • Was seeing your drawing appear fun? Now we can all

see your drawing. Before, only you knew it was there. Do you know that God knew what you would draw even before you drew it? What does God know? God knows everything. God knew we would sin and need a Savior. That’s why He sent Jesus! Jesus perfectly followed God’s wise plan to rescue us from sin.

Rub over coinsShow a preschooler the inscription In God We Trust on a coin. Guide a preschooler to place a coin under a sheet of paper and rub over it with the side of an unwrapped crayon. Encourage children to rub over several coins.SAY • In Proverbs, Solomon wrote “Trust in the Lord with

all your heart.” We trust God because God knows everything. God had a wise plan to rescue us from sin. Jesus perfectly followed God’s plan.

Taste honeyPost an allergy alert. Squeeze some honey on a foam plate for each preschooler. Allow preschoolers to experiment by dipping various foods in the honey, such as pita bread, graham crackers, apple slices, or pretzel sticks. Open a Bible to Proverbs 24:13-14. Read the verses aloud.SAY • Solomon wrote that wisdom is as good for us as

honey is to our taste! God gives us wisdom in the Bible. Wisdom is loving God and obeying His Word. Wisdom helps us be like Jesus—in how we live, how we talk, and how we think.

Transition to review the story

• copy paper• unwrapped crayons• various United States

minted coins

Tip: Monitor children closely to make sure they do not put coins in their mouths.

• Allergy Alert• small foam plates• honey• foods for dipping

(pita bread, graham crackers, apple slices, or pretzel sticks)

• Bible

• countdown video (optional)


REVIEW the Story


ReviewPoint to the giant timeline as you review today’s Bible story. Ask the following review questions:

1. Who wrote the Bible books Proverbs; Ecclesiastes; and Song of Songs? (Solomon)

2. What did God give King Solomon? (wisdom)3. Finish this sentence: Trust in the Lord with all

your __________. (heart)4. Who listens to advice and does right? (a wise

person)5. How does God give us wisdom? (through the Bible)6. What does God know? God knows everything.

SAY • Solomon wrote Proverbs; Ecclesiastes; and Song of Songs in the Bible to help God’s people make wise choices. Solomon taught that wisdom is loving God and obeying His Word. God gives us wisdom in the Bible. We can know how to live, how to talk, and how to think. Wisdom helps us be like Jesus, but wisdom cannot save us. Jesus followed God’s plan and rescued us from sin.

Sing the theme song “Greater Than Anything” or key passage song “Ask God.”

• Bible• Bible Story Picture

Poster• Giant Timeline • Story Point Poster• Big Picture Question

Poster• Key Passage Poster• “Greater Than

Anything” song (optional)

• “Ask God” song (optional)


PrayInvite preschoolers to tell you any prayer requests they have.SAY • Thank You, God, for giving us the Bible where we

find Your wisdom. Help us love You and obey Your Word. Help us make wise choices. Thank You for Jesus, who perfectly followed Your plan and saves us from our sin. Amen.

Missions momentSAY • Last week we learned about the Mandrell

family. The Mandrells are moving to Denver, Colorado, a place that is very different than what they know and are used to. Let’s learn about Denver and see why this is a wise place to start a new church.

Display “Denver City Facts” photos. Read the captions.

Decide between wise and unwise actionsForm a circle. Say a certain action. The preschooler with the beanbag must answer if the action is wise or unwise. Continue saying actions and tossing the beanbag. Use the actions in the margin or create your own.SAY • The Bible teaches there is a wrong, or foolish, way

and a right, or wise, way to live. Wisdom is loving God and obeying His Word. God gives us wisdom in the Bible. Wisdom helps us be like Jesus—in how we live, how we talk, and how we think, but wisdom cannot save us. Only Jesus, who perfectly followed God’s wise plan, can rescue us from sin.

• “Denver City Facts” printable

• beanbag

Actions: • pushing a friend• being kind to a new

child in class• hitting a sibling• helping a neighbor

pick up sticks• not cleaning up room

when mom says to• sharing a toy• saying mean words• saying thank you


Documents

Unit 12 • Session 2 Wisdom for God’s People25xecl2jedeh2fzq6w1wy20p-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/... · People came from far away to hear Solomon’s wise words. The Bible teaches