This lesson teaches children that wise friends help us grow, and that we can trust God with tomorrow. It works well for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a short story, a memory action, and one activity.
Big Idea
God gives us good friends who tell us the truth in love, and we do not have to know everything about tomorrow because God does. Good friends help us become wise.
Memory Verse
Proverbs 27:17
Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend’s countenance.
(WEB)
Teach children to hold up two fists and rub them together slowly, like sharpening a tool. Say the verse with the motion, then ask them to show you the rubbing motion every time they hear the word “friend.”
The Story: Proverbs 27 for Kids
King Solomon wrote many wise sayings to help his children learn how to live well. In this chapter he talked about friends, about being humble, and about trusting God. He wanted his son to understand that wisdom is a treasure worth working for.
One of the first things Solomon taught was about bragging. He said, “Don’t brag about tomorrow.” Nobody knows what might happen next. A person who brags about plans can be surprised, but a person who trusts God can rest, even when the future is unclear.
Solomon also talked about friends. He said that a true friend will tell you when you are wrong, even when it is hard to hear. Solomon compared this to iron sharpening iron. When two good friends work together, each one helps the other become sharper and better.
He also taught about listening and being patient. A wise child listens before speaking and does not get angry too quickly. Solomon warned that anger can make a mess of things, and that it is better to calm down than to shout.
The chapter ends with a picture of a family taking care of their animals. Solomon said that a person who works hard and watches over what they have will be blessed. He reminded children that good work and careful attention bring good results.
Read It Together
Proverbs 27:5-6
5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; although the kisses of an enemy are profuse.
(WEB)
Point out that a true friend sometimes says hard things because they care. Ask children to think about a time someone helped them by being honest, and why that kind of help was good.
Proverbs 27:9
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart; so does earnest counsel from a man’s friend.
(WEB)
Show children that good advice from a friend can make us feel happy inside, like a pleasant smell. Explain that friends who love God often give wise advice that brings joy.
Proverbs 27:1
Don’t boast about tomorrow; for you don’t know what a day may bring.
(WEB)
Explain that we do not know what tomorrow holds, so we should not brag about it. Remind children that God knows the future, and we can trust Him each day.
Talk About It
- What is one thing a good friend has helped you do or learn?
- Why do you think it can be hard to hear when a friend tells us we made a mistake?
- How can we tell the difference between a friend who helps us and a friend who only says what we want to hear?
- What does it mean to trust God with tomorrow, even when we don’t know what will happen?
- What is one way you can help a friend become a better person this week?
Activity Ideas
Friendship Sharpening Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child draw a simple sword or knife shape and write the name of a friend on it. Talk about how friends help each other grow sharp and wise, then let children color their pictures and take them home as reminders.
Iron Sharpens Iron Game
You will need two wooden spoons or two empty paper towel tubes. Have children stand in pairs, each holding one spoon, and practice gently tapping them together in rhythm while saying the memory verse. Explain that just as the spoons make each other stronger in this game, friends help each other learn.
Take-Home Trust Jar
You will need a clean jar, paper, and a pen. Ask each child to write one thing they are worried about tomorrow on a slip of paper and place it in the jar. Explain that they can give these worries to God in prayer each day, and encourage them to pray over the jar together at home during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter is a collection of practical wisdom about friendship, humility, and self-control. It shows that honest friendship is a gift from God, that we should not presume on the future, and that a life of careful work and attention to responsibilities honors the Lord.
Avoid overstating to children that every friend who is kind is always right, or that a hard word from someone means they must be a good friend. Children may need help understanding the difference between honest correction and unkind words, and that wisdom grows over time with prayer and patience.
A Prayer to Close
Father, thank You for good friends who help us grow and for the wisdom in Your Word. Help us to listen well, speak kindly, and trust You with tomorrow. Help us be good friends to others too. Amen.
