This lesson teaches children that a good name, built by being kind, honest and wise, is worth more than any treasure. It is written for children about ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the discussion and one simple activity.
Big Idea
God cares more about your character than your stuff. Being kind, fair and wise makes a name that people can trust, and God helps us grow that kind of heart.
Memory Verse
Proverbs 22:1
A good name is more desirable than great riches, and loving favor is better than silver and gold.
(WEB)
Put one hand on your heart, then slowly open both hands out wide, like you are giving a gift. Say “Good name!” as you open them. Do this each time you say the verse together.
The Story: Proverbs 22 for Kids
Proverbs 22 is a book of wise sayings written by a wise father who wanted his child to grow up good and wise. He told his son that a good name is more valuable than piles of gold and silver. People remember how you treat them, and that matters more than how much money you have.
The wise father pointed out that rich people and poor people are both made by the same God. Nobody is better than anybody else just because of how much they own. He said that when someone sees trouble coming, a wise person steps out of its way, but a foolish person keeps walking and gets hurt.
He also talked about being generous. A person with a kind heart shares food with those who have little. He warned about bullies and hot-tempered friends. He said, “Do not make friends with someone who is always angry, or you may learn to act like him.” Choosing good friends matters.
Finally, he told his son to listen carefully to wise teaching and to keep it close, ready to use. He said that trusting God is the best way to live. A child who listens and obeys learns to walk on the right path.
Read It Together
Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
(WEB)
Point out that this verse is about training and guiding. Ask children who has helped them learn good things, like a parent, grandparent or teacher. Explain that God gives grown-ups the job of helping children learn His ways.
Proverbs 22:9
He who has a generous eye will be blessed; for he shares his food with the poor.
(WEB)
Point out the word “generous,” which means willing to share. Show how sharing a snack or a toy is one way to bless someone else. Explain that a giving heart brings joy to God and to others.
Proverbs 22:24-25
24 Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man, and don’t associate with one who harbors anger: 25 lest you learn his ways, and ensnare your soul.
(WEB)
Point out the warning about angry friends. Explain that the words “learn his ways” mean we can pick up bad habits from people we spend time with. Encourage children to choose kind friends who help them do right.
Talk About It
- What is something a person can do that would give them a good name?
- Why do you think a good name is worth more than gold?
- How can we show kindness to someone who has less than we do?
- What is one way a friend can help you make good choices?
- Who is someone who has taught you to follow God, and what did they show you?
Activity Ideas
Name Badge Craft
Give each child a sheet of paper or a cardboard strip, crayons or markers, and a safety pin or tape. Ask them to write their name in big letters and draw three things that show their character, such as a heart for kindness, a book for wisdom, and a hand for helping. Pin or tape the badges on and talk about how each picture shows a good name.
Treasure and Good Name Game
Hide a few coins or pennies around the room. Tell the children that the coins are gold, but the real treasure is a good name. Let them search for the coins, then have them act out a kind action, such as helping a friend tie a shoe, to earn a “good name” sticker or small paper star. Celebrate the kind actions as the true prize.
Share Your Snack Take-Home
Give each child a small paper bag and a note card. Ask them to fill the bag with a simple snack, like crackers or a piece of fruit, and to give it to someone at home or to a neighbor this week. On the card, they can write or draw one kind thing they did. Encourage them to bring the card back to share at the next lesson.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Proverbs 22 teaches that character matters more than wealth or status, that generosity and humility lead to a life God blesses, and that wise choices about friends, work and money protect us from harm. The whole chapter points us back to trusting the Lord as the source of wisdom.
Avoid promising children that being good will always bring them money, popularity or a trouble-free life. Proverbs speaks in general patterns, and God’s faithfulness is greater than any simple cause and effect. Focus on the joy of knowing God and doing what is right.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You made every person, rich or poor. Help us to be kind, honest and wise, and to share what we have with others. Help us choose good friends and listen to Your teaching. We want to trust You every day. Amen.
