This lesson teaches children that God wants us to live honest, kind, and faithful lives, even when no one is watching. It suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God wants me to be good and kind, at home and everywhere I go. I can ask Him to help me choose what is right, even when it is hard.
Memory Verse
Psalm 101:2
I will be careful to live a blameless life. When will you come to me? I will walk within my house with a blameless heart.
(WEB)
Have children place one hand on their heart and then hold both hands out, palms up, like a cup. As you say the verse together, they move their hand from the heart outward. Repeat it three times until the motion and words stick together.
The Story: Psalm 101 for Kids
King David wrote a song about how he wanted to live. He knew that a king has a lot of power, and he wanted to use it wisely. So he made a promise to God that he would try to be good in his own home and in his whole kingdom.
David said he would sing about God’s kindness and fairness. He decided he would not look at bad things or let them into his house. He wanted to stay far away from anything that was mean, lying, or unkind. “I will have nothing to do with evil,” David said in his song, and he meant it.
David also made a promise about the people around him. He would not let anyone who secretly said mean things about a neighbor stay close to him. He would not keep company with people who thought they were better than everyone else. Instead, David said his eyes would look for faithful people who loved God and wanted to do right.
Finally, David said he would work to make his land a better place. He wanted the people who did wrong to be removed, so that God’s city would be full of people who loved what was good. David asked God to help him keep every one of these promises.
Read It Together
Psalm 101:1
I will sing of loving kindness and justice. To you, the LORD, I will sing praises.
(WEB)
Point out that David starts with singing and praise. Ask the children what they like to sing to God and why. Show that worship and good living go together.
Psalm 101:3-4
3 I will set no vile thing before my eyes. I hate the deeds of faithless men. They will not cling to me. 4 A perverse heart will be far from me. I will have nothing to do with evil.
(WEB)
Point out the words about setting no vile thing before the eyes and keeping a heart far from evil. Explain that what we look at and think about can shape how we act. Ask the children what kinds of things they could choose to look away from.
Psalm 101:6
My eyes will be on the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me. He who walks in a perfect way, he will serve me.
(WEB)
Point out that David looks for faithful people to be close to. Help the children see that choosing good friends who love God is part of living well. Name a few faithful people from the Bible they might know.
Talk About It
- What is one thing David promised God he would do in his own home?
- Why do you think it matters how we act when no one is watching us?
- What are some ways you can show kindness to the people in your family?
- What kinds of words or actions do you think God wants us to stay away from?
- Who is someone you know who loves God and lives in a way that shows it?
Activity Ideas
Crown of Good Choices Craft
You will need paper strips, crayons, tape, and a pencil. Have each child write one good choice on a strip, such as sharing, telling the truth, or being patient. Tape the strips into a paper crown that fits around each child’s head. Let them wear it while they tell the group one thing they will work on this week.
Faithful Friends Game
You will need a open space and a few soft balls or rolled socks. Call out a kind action, such as helping a neighbor or saying something encouraging. Children who think that action shows faithfulness step forward and toss a ball into a bucket. Ask them to say why they chose it, and talk about how each choice helps build a good community.
Good Choices Jar at Home
You will need a clean jar, paper, and a pen. Ask the child to write one kind or honest thing they did each day on a slip of paper and drop it into the jar. At the end of the week, read the notes together at the dinner table. Thank God together for helping with each choice, and remind the child that God is always with them.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 101 is a king’s pledge to live with integrity, both in his household and in his public duties. It shows that worship, personal holiness, and justice belong together, and that a leader’s character affects everyone around him. Adults can hear in it a call to examine their own habits, relationships, and what they allow into their lives.
Be careful not to suggest to children that being good earns God’s love or that they can be perfect by trying harder. Frame the lesson around God’s help and His kindness, so that children learn to lean on Him rather than measuring themselves only by their own effort.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Father, thank You for being kind and fair to us. Help us choose what is good at home, at school, and everywhere we go. When we are tempted to do wrong, help us turn away and ask You for strength. We want to honor You in all we do. Amen.
