In this lesson, children learn one sentence to remember: God is always fair, and He sees everything people do. Job 34 is best for children ages 5 to 11, and the whole lesson takes about 20 to 30 minutes with a short story, a verse, and a simple activity.
Big Idea
God is always fair and good, and He sees everything we do. Nothing is hidden from Him, and He never does anything wrong.
Memory Verse
Job 34:12
Yes surely, God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert justice.
(WEB)
Hold both hands out flat, palms up, like a balance scale. Tip one hand up and then the other, slowly, as you say the verse. Ask the children to copy your scale motions so they remember that God weighs things fairly.
The Story: Job 34 for Kids
A man named Elihu was listening to a long talk between Job and his friends. Job had suffered many hard things, and he was feeling sad and confused. Elihu felt he needed to speak up, so he called the wise men to listen closely.
Elihu wanted everyone to think carefully about what is right and what is good. He reminded them that words should be tested, just like we taste food to see if it is good. He said, in his own way, that we should not be quick to decide that God is unfair.
Elihu said that God is far from doing anything wrong. He told the people that God gives every person what their actions deserve, and that God does not twist justice. He pointed out that God made the whole world, so nobody can say God has no right to judge it fairly.
Elihu also talked about how God sees everything. There is no place dark enough to hide from Him. He told the listeners, “God sees the way a person walks, and He knows every step.” Elihu wanted everyone to trust that God is wise and good, even when they do not understand what is happening.
Read It Together
Job 34:21
“For his eyes are on the ways of a man. He sees all his goings.
(WEB)
Point out that God’s eyes are on the ways of every person. Explain that this is not a scary thing, because it means God knows us completely and cares about what happens to us. Ask the children what it feels like to know someone is watching over them kindly.
Job 34:28
So that they caused the cry of the poor to come to him. He heard the cry of the afflicted.
(WEB)
Show the children that God hears the cry of people who are hurting or treated unfairly. Tell them that they can always bring their hard feelings to God in prayer, because He listens closely and cares for those who are in trouble.
Job 34:10
“Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness, from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.
(WEB)
Explain that God never does wrong and never chooses to be unfair. Point out the words “far be it from God,” and tell the children that these words mean God is completely good, and that is something they can count on every day.
Talk About It
- What is one thing you learned about God in today’s story?
- How does it make you feel to know that God always sees what you do?
- Why do you think God wants us to be fair to other people, just as He is fair?
- When have you felt like something was not fair, and what helped you feel better?
- What is one way you can show God’s fairness to someone at home or at school this week?
Activity Ideas
Balance Scale Craft
You will need a paper plate, two paper cups, string, a hole punch, and a pencil. Punch two holes on opposite sides of the plate and tie a cup to each hole with string. Tie the strings together at the top to make a hanging scale. Let the children drop small pieces of paper into each cup and watch how the scale tips, then talk about how God weighs everything fairly.
Hide and Seek Movement Game
Play a simple game of hide and seek in a safe room. Before the children hide, remind them that there is no place where God cannot see them. After everyone is found, ask them to lift one hand high and wiggle their fingers like they are waving to God, showing that He always knows where they are. Keep the game short and cheerful.
Fairness Reminder Card
You will need an index card, markers, and a pen. Have each child write or draw one way they can be fair to someone this week, such as sharing a toy or listening to a sibling. Let them decorate the card and take it home to place on the fridge or bedside table. Encourage them to read it aloud at dinner each night.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows Elihu speaking to Job and his friends about the justice of God. Elihu argues that God is holy and fair, that He sees all human actions, and that He does not pervert justice. Adults can take comfort that God’s character is steady even when life feels confusing or painful.
Be careful not to suggest to children that bad things happen only because people have done wrong. Job’s story is complicated, and the chapter is one speaker’s view within a longer conversation. Focus on the simple truths that God is good, fair, and sees everything, and let children trust God’s wisdom without making it sound like a neat rule.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You are always fair and good. Thank You that You see everything we do and that You hear us when we are sad or treated unfairly. Help us to be fair to others and to trust You even when we do not understand. Amen.
