This lesson teaches children that God is the one who guides our steps, so we can bring our plans to Him and trust Him with the results. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the discussion, and a short activity.
Big Idea
We can make plans, but God knows what is best, so we ask Him to help us and we trust Him to lead us. When we are kind and honest, we are growing wise.
Memory Verse
Proverbs 16:3
Commit your deeds to the LORD, and your plans shall succeed.
(WEB)
Teach the children to cup both hands together like they are holding a gift, then slowly lift them up toward the ceiling as they say the verse. The lifting motion reminds them that they are giving their plans up to God.
The Story: Proverbs 16 for Kids
Long ago, King Solomon wrote a book full of wise sayings to help people live well. In chapter 16, he reminds us that people can plan many things, like where to go and what to do. But the final answer comes from the LORD, who knows everything. Imagine a boy named Eli who wants to build the tallest block tower he has ever made. He thinks hard about each block and where it should go.
Eli works carefully, and his plan looks good on paper. He tells himself, “I will build it my way, and it will be perfect.” But Solomon says that God looks at our hearts and our reasons, not just our plans. Eli’s heart is proud, and he forgets to ask God for help. He thinks he does not need anyone.
Then Eli’s little sister bumps the table, and the tower tumbles down. Eli feels sad and a little angry. He looks at the pile of blocks and wonders why his good plan fell apart. His mom sits down beside him and says, “Let’s ask God to help us build the next one together, and let’s be kind to each other while we do it.”
Eli bows his head and prays. He thanks God for his plans and asks Him to guide his hands. He also tells his sister he is sorry for being grumpy. Together they start again, slowly and carefully, and this time the tower stands tall. Solomon teaches us that when we are honest and humble, we can trust God to direct our steps.
Eli learns that making plans is good, but he also needs to be humble and let God lead. Wisdom means asking God first, being kind, and keeping our hearts right. God is faithful, even when our plans change.
Read It Together
Proverbs 16:9
A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD directs his steps.
(WEB)
Point out that people make plans in their hearts, but God is the one who guides each step. Ask the children to notice that both things are true at once: we plan, and God leads us.
Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
(WEB)
Explain that pride is thinking we do not need God or other people. Show how humility, like Eli’s apology, helps us stay close to God and to our friends.
Proverbs 16:20
He who heeds the Word finds prosperity. Whoever trusts in the LORD is blessed.
(WEB)
Point out the words “trusts in the LORD” and “blessed.” Explain that trusting God means believing He is good and wise, even when things do not go the way we hoped.
Talk About It
- What is one plan you made recently, and how did it turn out?
- What did Eli feel when his tower fell, and what helped him feel better?
- How can we show that we trust God with our plans every day?
- Why do you think being proud can get in the way of learning and friendship?
- What is one kind thing you can do this week to show you are growing wise?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Plan Drawing
You will need paper plates, crayons, and a pencil. Have each child draw a picture of a plan they would like to work on, such as finishing a project or helping at home. On the back, write a short prayer asking God to guide the plan. Hang the finished plates somewhere the family can see them as a reminder to trust God.
Stack and Trust Game
You will need a set of building blocks or empty cereal boxes. Let the children build a tower while you say, “Make your plan, then give it to God.” Each time they place a block, have them lift their hands toward heaven. When the tower falls, talk about how we keep trusting God even when things change.
Wisdom Jar at Home
You will need a clean jar, some paper, and a marker. Each day for a week, have the family write one kind or wise choice they made on a slip of paper and drop it in the jar. At the end of the week, read the notes together and thank God for helping everyone grow in wisdom.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter reminds us that human planning is real and valuable, yet God is the one who sees our motives and directs our steps. Proverbs 16 invites us to commit our work to the LORD, to pursue humility over pride, and to let honest and kind speech shape our relationships. It describes wisdom as a daily posture of trust rather than a formula that guarantees outcomes.
Avoid telling children that if they pray and plan carefully, their plans will always succeed. Scripture gives trust and wisdom, not a promise that every project will work out the way we imagine. Help children see that God is faithful and good even when plans change.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for loving us and for guiding our steps. We bring our plans to You and ask You to help us with them. Help us to be humble, honest, and kind, and to trust You when things do not go the way we hoped. Thank You for being faithful every day. Amen.
