This lesson teaches children that God loves honest, brave people who do what is right, even when it is hard. It is made for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Teachers can use it with a small group or a whole class.
Big Idea
God wants us to be brave and honest, and to take care of people who are poor or in need. When we do what is right, we can trust God to be with us.
Memory Verse
Proverbs 28:1
The wicked flee when no one pursues; but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
(WEB)
Ask the children to stand tall with their chests out and their fists on their hips, like a lion. Then have them say the verse together and roar softly on the last word. Repeat it three times, getting a little braver each time.
The Story: Proverbs 28 for Kids
Long ago, a wise teacher wrote down many short sayings to help people learn how to live well. These sayings are called proverbs, and this chapter is full of them. The wise teacher wanted people to know that choosing right and wrong really matters to God.
The teacher noticed that people who do wrong often run away, even when nobody is chasing them. They feel guilty inside. But people who live honestly stand as bold as a lion. They do not have to hide, because they have nothing to be scared of.
The chapter talks about rulers and leaders too. A leader who is wise and fair brings peace to the people. A leader who is greedy and mean causes trouble for everyone. The teacher said, “A stingy man hurries after riches, and does not know that poverty is waiting for him.” Greed always leads to a hard ending.
The teacher also said that a poor person who lives honestly is better off than a rich person who lies and cheats. Money is not the most important thing. Being good and trustworthy is worth more. Someone who shares with the poor will never lack what they need.
At the end of the chapter, the teacher reminds us that God sees everything. Those who confess their wrongs and turn away from them find mercy. Those who trust the LORD will prosper. Being honest with God is always the best choice.
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 when we do something wrong, hiding it does not help. Confessing it and turning away from it brings God’s mercy. Talk about how saying sorry honestly is a brave thing to do.
Proverbs 28:20
A faithful man is rich with blessings; but one who is eager to be rich will not go unpunished.
(WEB)
Explain that a faithful person is blessed, and that being faithful means keeping promises and doing your best every day. Show that being rich in blessings is different from having lots of money. Encourage children to think about faithful people they know.
Proverbs 28:27
One who gives to the poor has no lack; but one who closes his eyes will have many curses.
(WEB)
Point out that generosity matters to God. When we give to people who have less, we show God’s love. Ask children to name one way they could share with someone this week.
Talk About It
- What is one thing that makes you feel brave when you are doing the right thing?
- Why do you think people who lie often feel like they have to run and hide?
- How can you show kindness to someone who has less than you do?
- What does it feel like to say sorry and make things right with someone?
- Who is one faithful person you know, and what do they do that shows they are faithful?
Activity Ideas
Brave Lion Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and glue. Have each child draw a lion’s face and write or draw one brave thing they can do this week. Glue the lion to a sheet of paper and let them decorate the edges. Hang the pictures up as a reminder that God wants us to be bold and honest.
Honest Hide and Seek
Play a simple game where one child hides and must come out and be honest when they are found, instead of staying hidden. You will need a room or yard with a few safe hiding spots. Each time someone is found, have them say one true thing about themselves. Talk about how hiding from God is never needed because He already knows everything.
Sharing Jar Take Home
You will need a clean jar or container, paper slips, and a marker. Give each child a jar and a few paper slips to write or draw ways they can share with others this week. Explain that the jar will help them remember to be generous. They can take one slip out each day and do that kind act.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Proverbs 28 shows that God cares deeply about justice, honesty, and how we treat the poor. The chapter contrasts the way of the wicked with the way of the righteous, and it teaches that a life of integrity is wiser and more secure than a life built on dishonesty or greed. Confession and mercy are also central, pointing us to God’s willingness to forgive those who turn from wrong.
When teaching children, avoid suggesting that money or success always comes to good people, or that a child who is poor must be more righteous. The chapter speaks in general patterns, not guarantees. Focus instead on God’s faithfulness and on the joy of living honestly.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for loving us and wanting us to be honest and brave. Help us do what is right, even when it is hard. Show us how to share with people who need help, and give us courage to say sorry when we make mistakes. Thank You for always being with us. Amen.
