This lesson teaches children that God wants us to choose wisdom, honesty, and self-control, even when foolish choices look fun or easy. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God loves it when we choose to be wise, honest, and kind, even when it is hard. Wise choices make God happy, and foolish choices lead to trouble.
Memory Verse
Proverbs 20:11
Even a child makes himself known by his doings, whether his work is pure, and whether it is right.
(WEB)
Ask the children to point to their own eyes, then their hands. Teach them to say the verse while pointing first to their eyes and then to their hands, showing that what we do with our hands shows who we really are.
The Story: Proverbs 20 for Kids
King Solomon wrote many wise sayings to help people learn how to live well. In this chapter, he tells us about choices that make a big difference. Some choices are wise, and some are foolish. Wine and strong drink can lead people into bad decisions, and a person who drinks too much is not being wise.
Solomon also talks about fighting. He says that it is an honor to stay away from quarrels, but a fool will always start an argument. A lazy person who will not work hard may find himself with nothing when harvest time comes. He will have to beg for food because he did not prepare in the spring.
Then Solomon compares wise words to deep water. Good thoughts sit deep in the heart, and a person with understanding knows how to bring them out when they are needed. He reminds us that every person makes mistakes, so no one can say they are perfect. God looks at honest scales and fair weights, and he is not happy when people cheat others.
Even children show what they are like by how they behave. Solomon says that a child’s actions show whether their work is pure and right. God gave us eyes to see and ears to hear, so we can learn to choose what is good. When we are tempted to do something wrong, we can wait for the Lord to help us instead of trying to get even.
Read It Together
Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
(WEB)
Point out how this verse describes wine as a mocker. Explain that when people choose things that make them lose control, they are not being wise. Ask the children what kinds of choices might lead someone away from good thinking.
Proverbs 20:7
A righteous man walks in integrity. Blessed are his children after him.
(WEB)
Show the children that a person who walks in integrity does what is right even when no one is watching. Explain that the word integrity means being whole and honest, and that good choices can bless the people who come after us.
Proverbs 20:22
Don’t say, “I will pay back evil.” Wait for the LORD, and he will save you.
(WEB)
Help the children see that this verse teaches us not to get revenge. Point out that the Lord promises to take care of us when we wait on him instead of trying to pay back someone who hurt us.
Talk About It
- What is one choice you made this week that showed wisdom, and how did it help you?
- Why do you think it can be hard to walk away from a fight?
- What is something you can do when someone treats you unfairly instead of paying them back?
- How can your actions show other people what kind of person you are?
- Who is someone you know who always seems to make wise choices, and what do you admire about them?
Activity Ideas
Wise Eyes and Ears Drawing
Give each child a sheet of paper and crayons or markers. Ask them to draw a big pair of eyes and ears on the page. Inside the eyes, they can draw something they want to see with wisdom, and inside the ears, they can draw a wise word they want to hear. Let them share their drawings with the class.
Balance Scale Game
Set up a simple balance scale using a wire hanger and two paper cups, or use a real kitchen scale if you have one. Place small objects like beans or coins in the cups and let the children try to make them balance. Talk about how God wants everything to be fair and honest, just like a balanced scale.
Wisdom Jar at Home
Find a clean jar and a stack of paper strips. Every time your child makes a wise choice during the week, have them write it on a strip and put it in the jar. At the end of the week, read the strips together and thank God for helping them choose wisely.
Teacher Notes
Proverbs 20 shows adults that wisdom is more than knowing facts. It is a way of living that is honest, self-controlled, and fair in every area of life. The chapter reminds us that God cares about how we treat others and that he sees what is in our hearts.
Avoid suggesting that children can earn God’s love by being good. Make clear that God loves them already, and that wisdom is a response to his love and a way to grow closer to him.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for giving us wisdom to make good choices. Help us to be honest, to be kind, and to wait for you when things are hard. Teach us to use our eyes and ears to learn what is right. Help us to love you and others every day. Amen.
