This lesson teaches children that a good name, built by being kind, honest, and wise, is worth more than money or fancy things. It suits children roughly 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a short story, a few Bible verses, and a simple activity.
Big Idea
Being kind, fair, and wise matters more than having lots of money or toys, because people and God remember how we treat others.
Memory Verse
Proverbs 22:1
A good name is more desirable than great riches, and loving favor is better than silver and gold.
(WEB)
Cup both hands together, then slowly open them like a gift box. Each time you say “good name,” lift your hands up high, as if you are holding something precious. Then say the verse together three times, making the lifting motion each time.
The Story: Proverbs 22 for Kids
Long ago, a wise father wrote down helpful sayings to teach his children how to live. He wanted them to know that the way they acted would follow them all their lives. He told them that a good name is better than being rich, and that being loved and respected is more valuable than silver and gold.
He pointed out that rich people and poor people are both made by God. Nobody is better than anyone else just because of how much money they have. The father warned that the foolish walk right into trouble, but the wise see danger coming and step aside to stay safe.
He also talked about sharing. A person with a generous heart shares food with those who have little, and God blesses that kind of heart. He told his children to stay away from people who stir up fights and mock others, because they can lead you into trouble too.
The father said, “Turn your ear and listen to the words of the wise.” He wanted his children to keep these lessons close, saying them over and over until they were part of who they were. He said he was teaching them so that their trust would be in the Lord.
Then he gave a warning about being unfair. He said, “Don’t take advantage of someone because they are poor.” God sees how people are treated, and God takes care of those who have been wronged. The father wanted his children to be fair and kind to everyone.
Read It Together
Proverbs 22:2
The rich and the poor have this in common: The LORD is the maker of them all.
(WEB)
Point out that the rich and the poor have this in common: God made them both. Ask children what this tells us about how we should treat people who have less or more than we do. Help them see that everyone is equally valuable in God’s eyes.
Proverbs 22:6-7
6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. 7 The rich rule over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender.
(WEB)
Explain that these verses describe the value of learning good things early and the lesson that money can make some people act like they are in charge of others. Show children how a good habit started young can last a lifetime. Keep the focus on kindness and fairness.
Proverbs 22:9
He who has a generous eye will be blessed; for he shares his food with the poor.
(WEB)
Point out the words “generous eye” and “shares his food.” Explain that being generous means looking for chances to help and then actually sharing what we have. Ask children to name one way they could share this week.
Talk About It
- What is something a friend did that made you feel respected, and how did it make you want to be a good friend back?
- Why do you think a good name is more valuable than gold or toys?
- When you see someone who has less than you, what is one kind thing you could do?
- How can we tell when a person is trying to start an argument, and what can we do instead?
- What is one lesson from today’s story that you want to remember this week?
Activity Ideas
Name Banner Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and tape. Have each child write their name in large letters across the top of the paper and then draw or write one kind thing they can do for others, such as sharing, helping, or saying something nice. Tape the banners up in the room so everyone can see how their names connect to good actions.
Good Name Freeze Game
You will need an open space and a timer or a simple clap. Children move around the room, and when you clap, they freeze and act out a kind thing, like helping a friend pick up books or sharing a snack. Call out a new action each round, and let children guess what the person is doing to show good character.
Take-Home Kindness Jar
You will need a clean jar or cup and some slips of paper. Ask each child to write one kind deed they completed during the week on a slip and put it in the jar. At the next class, read a few of the notes aloud and celebrate how each kindness helped build a good name for that child.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Proverbs 22 teaches that a reputation built on integrity and generosity is worth more than wealth, and that God sees how we treat the poor and vulnerable. The chapter pairs practical wisdom with the reminder that the fear of the Lord leads to life, honor, and wealth in the deepest sense. It calls every believer to live with humility, fairness, and care for others.
With children, avoid overstating the promise that doing right always brings success or wealth. Many faithful people struggle financially, and the chapter describes wisdom as a pattern for living well rather than a guarantee of riches. Focus on character, kindness, and trusting God, and let children understand that a good name comes from being someone others can trust.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Lord, thank You for loving every person You made, rich or poor, young or old. Help us to be kind, honest, and fair in everything we do. Teach us to share what we have and to listen to wise words. Help us build a good name that brings You glory. Amen.
