This lesson teaches children that money and possessions cannot save us, but God can. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, reading, activities, and closing prayer.
Big Idea
Our money and our things cannot buy us life that lasts forever. Only God can rescue us, and He is the one we can always trust.
Memory Verse
Psalm 49:15
But God will redeem my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me. Selah.
(WEB)
Hold both hands out in front of you, palms up, like you are receiving a gift. Then lift your hands up toward the sky. This motion helps children remember that God receives us and rescues us from danger.
The Story: Psalm 49 for Kids
Long ago, a songwriter wanted everyone to listen closely. He called out to all the people of the world, both the rich and the poor, and said, “Listen carefully, because I have something wise to tell you.” He said he would share his thoughts like a riddle played on a harp, so people would think hard about what he meant.
The songwriter noticed something that bothered him. Some people trusted in their money and bragged about how much they owned. They believed their big houses and fine lands would last forever. But the songwriter pointed out that rich people also die, just like everyone else. No amount of gold could buy them one more day of life.
He reminded everyone that the animals can look after themselves for a while, but they too will not last forever. People who trust only in their wealth are like those animals. When they die, they cannot take a single coin or a single house with them. Their riches stay behind for others to enjoy.
Then the songwriter shared his own hope. He said, “But God will save my soul from the grip of death, because He will take me to Himself.” He was not afraid of the rich man’s bragging, because he knew that God is the one who truly keeps us safe. The lesson was clear: trust God, not your riches.
Read It Together
Psalm 49:1-2
1 Hear this, all you peoples. Listen, all you inhabitants of the world, 2 both low and high, rich and poor together.
(WEB)
Point out that the songwriter calls to everyone, both high and low, rich and poor. Ask children what it means that God’s message is for all people, not just a few. Remind them that every person matters to God in the same way.
Psalm 49:10-12
10 For he sees that wise men die; likewise the fool and the senseless perish, and leave their wealth to others. 11 Their inward thought is that their houses will endure forever, and their dwelling places to all generations. They name their lands after themselves. 12 But man, despite his riches, doesn’t endure. He is like the animals that perish.
(WEB)
Show children that these verses say even wise people and fools both die, and riches do not last. Explain that the songwriter wants us to see that stuff cannot keep us alive. Help them notice the word “man” in verse 12 means people in general.
Psalm 49:16-17
16 Don’t be afraid when a man is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased; 17 for when he dies he will carry nothing away. His glory won’t descend after him.
(WEB)
Point out the reminder not to be afraid when someone becomes rich. Explain that when a person dies, they cannot carry their money away with them. This helps children understand that what matters most is not how much we own but whom we belong to.
Talk About It
- What is something you own that you really love, and how do you feel when you use it?
- Why do you think the songwriter said money cannot buy us more life?
- What do you think it means that God will receive us when we die?
- How can we remember that God is more important than the things we own?
- What is one way we can show that we trust God instead of trusting money or toys?
Activity Ideas
Treasure Chest Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a treasure chest and write or draw the things they love most inside it. Then have them add a picture of God shining above the chest. Talk together about how God is a treasure that never runs out, even when our toys and money do.
Rich Man, Poor Man Movement Game
You will need an open space and a few small objects like blocks or pillows to act as riches. Call out “Rich” and have children gather as many objects as they can carry. Then call out “Trust God” and have them drop everything and stand tall with arms open. Explain that God’s love is with us even when we have nothing at all.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need index cards, a marker, and a hole punch with string or ribbon. Help each child write “God will rescue me” on the card and decorate it. Punch a hole in the corner and tie on the string so they can hang it on their bedroom door or in the car. Encourage them to read the card each morning as a reminder to trust God first.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this psalm is a sober reminder that wealth and status cannot secure life or ultimately protect us from death. The psalmist contrasts the fragile confidence of those who trust their riches with the hope that God alone can redeem the soul from the grave. Adults can take this as an invitation to examine where their security truly rests.
With children, avoid overstating the point as if having money is always wrong or that God rewards faithful people with wealth. The psalm speaks about the limits of riches and the certainty of God’s rescue, not about a rule that the rich are bad or the poor are favored. Keep the focus on trusting God rather than shaming anyone for what they own.
A Prayer to Close
Father, we thank You that our lives are not held by our money or our things. Help us trust You more than anything we own. Thank You for rescuing us and receiving us as Your own children. Amen.
