This lesson teaches children that God wants them to be brave, honest, and kind, even when others are not. It works well for children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God loves people who tell the truth, do what is right, and take care of those who are poor. When we follow God’s rules, we can be brave like a lion, even when others around us are doing wrong.
Memory Verse
Proverbs 28:1
The wicked flee when no one pursues; but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
(WEB)
Have the children stand tall with their shoulders back and roar softly like a lion together. Then say the verse slowly, with a big lion stance on the words “bold as a lion.” Repeat it three times, getting a little louder each time.
The Story: Proverbs 28 for Kids
Long ago, King Solomon wrote a book full of wise sayings to help people know how to live. In this chapter, he taught that people who do wrong often run away, even when nobody is chasing them. Their own guilty hearts make them scared. But people who love God and do what is right are as brave as a lion, and they do not have to hide.
Solomon also talked about honesty. He said that a person who hides their sins will not do well, but a person who admits their mistakes and turns away from them will find God’s mercy. Imagine a little boy who broke a vase and hid the pieces under the rug. Solomon would say the boy should tell the truth instead, because God forgives those who confess.
Solomon wanted people to care for the poor, too. He said that someone who takes money from poor people is like a rainstorm that washes away a farmer’s crops. But a person who gives to the needy will have plenty. A kind neighbor who shares bread with a hungry family is wise in God’s eyes, and God takes notice.
Finally, Solomon taught that trusting God is better than trusting yourself. He said, in his own way, that a person who thinks they know everything is a fool. A wise person listens to God and walks in God’s ways, and God keeps them safe. Solomon wanted every child and grown-up to remember that God is the one we can always count on.
Read It Together
Proverbs 28:13
He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
(WEB)
Point out that the person who hides their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses them finds mercy. Ask the children what it feels like to hide a mistake and what it feels like to tell the truth. Help them see that God is always ready to forgive.
Proverbs 28:27
One who gives to the poor has no lack; but one who closes his eyes will have many curses.
(WEB)
Show the children that this verse talks about helping people who have less than we do. Point out that giving is a way of showing God’s love. Encourage them to think of one person they could help this week.
Proverbs 28:25-26
25 One who is greedy stirs up strife; but one who trusts in the LORD will prosper. 26 One who trusts in himself is a fool; but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
(WEB)
Explain that trusting in ourselves can make us foolish, while trusting in the LORD keeps us safe. Ask the children who they go to when they feel scared. Help them see that God is the best place to turn.
Talk About It
- What does it mean to be as bold as a lion, and how can we show that kind of courage at school?
- Why do you think it feels hard to tell the truth after we have done something wrong?
- How did God’s forgiveness make the story of the broken vase different from a story where the child hides it?
- What are some ways we can help people who do not have as much as we do?
- When you feel worried or unsure, what can you do to remember that God is with you?
Activity Ideas
Lion Heart Craft
You will need paper plates, crayons or markers, yarn, glue, and scissors. Have each child draw a lion face on a paper plate and glue yarn around the edge for a mane. While they work, talk about how a lion shows courage. Let them write “Bold and Honest” on the back of their lion.
Follow the Leader Movement Game
Gather the children in an open space and choose one child to be the leader. The leader makes a movement like a lion’s roar or a strong stance, and everyone copies it. Each round, have the children say the memory verse as they move. Switch leaders so every child gets a turn.
Mercy Jar Take-Home
You will need an empty jar, paper, and a pencil. Ask each child to write one way they told the truth or helped someone this week and put the note in the jar. Encourage the family to read the notes together at dinner. Explain that God’s mercy is always there, just like the jar is always ready to hold more kindness.
Teacher Notes
Proverbs 28 teaches that righteousness brings courage, honesty leads to mercy, and generosity to the poor reflects God’s heart. Adults can see that the chapter ties personal integrity to care for the vulnerable, and that trust in the LORD is the foundation for both. The chapter also contrasts the wicked who flee in fear with the righteous who stand firm.
Avoid suggesting that God rewards good children with guaranteed wealth or that bad things only happen to people who sin. Proverbs describes general patterns of wisdom, not promises that every good person will be rich or every wrongdoer punished immediately. Keep the focus on God’s character and faithfulness.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Lord, thank you for being our strong and faithful God. Help us to be brave and honest, to tell the truth, and to care for people who need help. When we make mistakes, help us to come to you and find your mercy. Amen.
