Solomon

May 30

1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12

An old king and a new king

King David was getting old, so he called his son Solomon to give him some important instructions. “Be confident and be determined,” he said. “Do whatever the Lord your God orders you to do. If you obey the Lord’s commands, He will keep the promises He has made.”

Soon after this, David died and was buried in Jerusalem, the City of David. Solomon took over from David and became king of Israel.

Will I be able to do the difficult things my parents do?

As you watch your mom cooking, or see your dad sorting through piles of bills, do you wonder if you will be able to do all those things that adults do?

The responsibilities that your parents have are too great for you to worry about now!

However, when your parents give you chores to do around the house, they are teaching you to do some of the things that they do. By doing them well, you are showing your parents how responsible you are. They will know when you are ready to do tasks that require greater responsibility.

David taught Solomon to become responsible and gave him all the instructions and plans he would need for building the Temple (see 1 Chronicles 28:10-21).

Your parents are not perfect—just as David wasn't perfect. And so, even when they make mistakes, you still need to respect and obey them.

Just as David helped Solomon, your parents are helping you to do practical things like plan, make decisions and save, and they are teaching you to live a life that is right and leads to happiness.

Verse for today

Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Psalm 34:11