Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS2)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 6
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Christian Religion Studies
Curriculum Theme: Leadership and Divine Wisdom
Previous Lesson: Trust in God: Submission and the Will of God.
Topic: The Wisdom of Solomon
Subject Matter: Meaning of wisdom (ability to apply knowledge rightly), Solomon’s request for wisdom of God (I Kings 3:3-15), how Solomon applied his wisdom (I Kings 3:16-23, I Kings 4:29-34), building of the temple and its dedication (I Kings 5:1-12, I Kings 8:1-53), how to get wisdom from God and other sources (James 1:5-8)

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

Define wisdom in their own words.
Narrate the story of Solomon’s request for wisdom from God.
Describe how Solomon applied his wisdom in judgment and leadership.
List ways to obtain wisdom from God and other sources.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of seeking wisdom from God.
Desire to make wise decisions in their daily lives.

Psychomotor Domain:

Identify situations in their lives where wisdom is needed.
Apply biblical principles of wisdom in making personal decisions.

Discuss with peers the impact of wise leadership on a community.
Encourage one another to seek divine wisdom.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
State Unified Scheme of Work
Christian Religious Knowledge for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 2

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

A Bible
Relevant textbook
Charts depicting Solomon’s reign or the Temple

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand what wisdom is and why it is important to seek it from God. It enables them to learn from Solomon’s example of wise leadership and apply biblical principles to make sound decisions in their own lives.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of biblical figures and God’s interaction with people in the Old Testament.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

The Wisdom of Solomon

Meaning of Wisdom

Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge and understanding rightly to make sound judgments and decisions. It involves discernment between good and evil, and choosing the right path.

Solomon’s Request for Wisdom

After becoming king, Solomon went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices. God appeared to him in a dream and asked what he desired. Instead of asking for long life, riches, or the death of his enemies, Solomon asked for an understanding heart to govern God’s people and to discern between good and evil. God was pleased with his request and granted him wisdom, along with riches and honor. (I Kings 3:3-15)

How Solomon Applied His Wisdom

Solomon demonstrated his wisdom in various ways:

In Judgment: The case of the two women who claimed the same baby (I Kings 3:16-23). Solomon’s wise judgment revealed the true mother by proposing to divide the child, knowing the real mother would rather give up the child than see it harmed.
In Leadership: He administered justice effectively, managed his kingdom well, and his fame for wisdom spread throughout all the surrounding nations (I Kings 4:29-34). He spoke three thousand proverbs and wrote one thousand and five songs, showing his vast knowledge and understanding.

Building of the Temple and its Dedication

Solomon fulfilled his father David’s desire to build a temple for the Lord. He prepared vast amounts of materials and organized labor from Israel and surrounding nations (I Kings 5:1-12). The temple was completed and dedicated to God with a great prayer of consecration and numerous sacrifices, symbolizing God’s presence among His people (I Kings 8:1-53).

Memory Verse

James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given him.”

Bible Reading

I Kings 3:3-15
I Kings 3:16-23
I Kings 4:29-34
I Kings 5:1-12
I Kings 8:1-53
James 1:5-8

How to Get Wisdom from God and Other Sources

Wisdom can be acquired through various means:

Ask God in prayer, believing He will give it (James 1:5-8).
Study the Bible and apply its teachings to life situations.
Seek advice from wise and godly counselors.
Learn from personal experiences and mistakes.
Observe and emulate people who demonstrate wisdom.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and reviews the previous lesson briefly, then introduces the topic by asking pupils if they have ever faced a difficult decision and how they handled it.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the greetings, recall the previous lesson, and share their experiences with decision-making.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and connect their experiences to the new topic of wisdom and decision-making.

Step 2: Meaning of Wisdom

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines wisdom as the ability to apply knowledge rightly and discern good from evil, encouraging pupils to share their understanding of wisdom.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils define wisdom in their own words and discuss its importance.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the core meaning of wisdom.

Step 3: Solomon’s Request for Wisdom

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Narration/Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher narrates the story of God’s appearance to Solomon at Gibeon and Solomon’s humble request for an understanding heart (I Kings 3:3-15). The teacher discusses Solomon’s motives for his request.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively to the story and participate in discussing why Solomon asked for wisdom instead of other things.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about Solomon’s desire for divine wisdom.

Step 4: How Solomon Applied His Wisdom

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Illustration/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses the story of the two women and the living child (I Kings 3:16-23) as an example of Solomon’s wise judgment. The teacher also highlights his wise leadership and administration (I Kings 4:29-34).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the illustrations and explain how Solomon’s wisdom was demonstrated in these situations.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the practical application of wisdom in judgment and leadership.

Step 5: Building of the Temple and its Dedication

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Narration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains how Solomon, guided by wisdom, oversaw the building of the Temple (I Kings 5:1-12) and its dedication (I Kings 8:1-53), emphasizing this as a major achievement of his reign.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and ask questions about the significance of the Temple building and dedication.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about Solomon’s wise execution of a divine task.

Step 6: How to Get Wisdom from God and Other Sources

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Brainstorming/Guidance
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to suggest ways of acquiring wisdom from God, referring to James 1:5-8, and other sources such as studying the Bible and seeking counsel.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils suggest various ways to obtain wisdom and discuss their importance.
Learning Point: Pupils identify practical steps to acquire wisdom.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Define wisdom in your own words.
Narrate Solomon’s request for wisdom from God.
Explain one way Solomon applied his wisdom in judgment.
List three ways a Christian can acquire wisdom from God.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of seeking and applying wisdom. The teacher assigns homework: “Read Proverbs chapters 1-3 and identify five proverbs that reflect wisdom.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and prepare for further study.

Lesson Keywords

Wisdom – The ability to apply knowledge and understanding rightly to make sound judgments.
Discernment – The ability to judge well; the capacity to perceive and distinguish between truth and error, good and evil.
Solomon – A wise king of Israel, son of David, who built the first Temple in Jerusalem.
Gibeon – The place where God appeared to Solomon in a dream and granted him wisdom.
Temple – The holy building in Jerusalem built by Solomon, dedicated to the worship of God.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher will encourage them to research and present other examples of Solomon’s wisdom beyond what was discussed. For pupils needing more support, the teacher will provide simplified summaries of the Bible stories and allow for peer-to-peer explanations and guided reading.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Encourage pupils to relate the biblical concept of wisdom to contemporary challenges and decision-making. Emphasize that true wisdom comes from God and is demonstrated through righteous living and sound judgment. Use visual aids like maps or pictures of the Temple to enhance understanding.