This lesson teaches children that God wants them to listen to wise parents, honor them, and choose wisdom over foolish things like greed and too much of what is bad for them. Children ages 5 to 11 can follow it in about 20 to 30 minutes, with a short story, a memory verse, and a few simple activities.
Big Idea
God wants us to listen to our parents, love wisdom, and stay away from things that hurt us. When we do, we bring our family joy.
Memory Verse
Proverbs 23:22
Listen to your father who gave you life, and don’t despise your mother when she is old.
(WEB)
Teach the children to cup one hand behind an ear while saying the first half, then place both hands over their hearts for the second half. Practice it together a few times so the motions help them remember the words.
The Story: Proverbs 23 for Kids
Long ago, a wise man named Solomon wrote down many helpful words for his children to learn. He wanted them to grow up strong and good, so he gave them advice about everyday choices. Some of his words were about what to do when a rich man invites you to dinner. He warned that the food might look tempting, but it could come with strings attached, so it is best not to be greedy.
Solomon also talked about money. He said not to wear yourself out trying to get rich quickly. Riches can seem as easy to catch as an eagle flying away, so choose to be sensible and careful with what you have. He reminded his listeners that money is not the most important thing in life.
Next, Solomon spoke about the people who are different from us. He said to be careful about the company we keep. Some people will say, “Eat and drink!” but their hearts are not really being kind to you. He warned children not to drink too much wine or eat too much, because it leads to poverty and trouble. Drunkenness and gluttony can make a person poor and sleepy.
Then Solomon said something very tender. He told his son, “Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.” He wanted children to honor their parents and to make them glad. He said, “Let your father and your mother be glad! Let her who bore you rejoice!” A wise child brings joy to the whole family.
Solomon finished by urging his son to give him his heart and to keep his eyes on the right path. He warned that foolish choices can be like a snake that bites later on. He ended with a gentle hope: when your heart is wise, your father’s heart will be glad too.
Read It Together
Proverbs 23:24
The father of the righteous has great joy. Whoever fathers a wise child delights in him.
(WEB)
Point out that a wise child brings great joy to the parent. Ask the children how they think their own parents feel when they make good choices, and remind them that joy is something they can share with their family.
Proverbs 23:19
Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path!
(WEB)
Show the children that this verse calls them to listen and be wise. Explain that keeping our hearts on the right path means choosing good things every day, even when it is hard.
Proverbs 23:26
My son, give me your heart; and let your eyes keep in my ways.
(WEB)
Explain that God asks for our whole heart, not just our words. Point out that giving our heart means loving God and following his ways, which we can practice in small everyday moments.
Talk About It
- What is one way you can show respect to your mom or dad this week?
- Why do you think Solomon said that money is not the most important thing?
- How can you tell when a friend is trying to lead you toward a bad choice?
- What makes a parent feel happy and proud of their child?
- What is one thing you can do to keep your heart on the right path?
Activity Ideas
Heart Card Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, scissors, and glue. Have each child draw a large heart and write or draw one way they can honor their parents, such as helping with dishes or saying thank you. Let them decorate the heart and give it to a parent as a reminder of the lesson.
Wise Path Game
Lay a long piece of string or tape on the floor to make a winding path. Children walk along the path carefully while balancing a small object on their head, which represents keeping their heart on the right path. Each time they reach the end, ask them to name one wise choice they can make.
Family Joy Jar
You will need an empty jar and small slips of paper. Each day, ask your children to write a kind or wise thing they did for their family and place the paper in the jar. At the end of the week, read the notes together and talk about how these choices brought joy to everyone at home.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter is a practical guide to wise living in ordinary life. It speaks to honest self-control with food, money, and drink, and it calls believers to honor parents and to keep their hearts oriented toward God. The reader is reminded that wisdom is a way of living, not only a set of ideas.
With children, avoid suggesting that good behavior guarantees a comfortable life or that bad things happen only to people who make bad choices. Keep the focus on loving God and loving family, and explain that everyone needs God’s help to make wise choices.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Lord, thank you for our parents and for helping us learn what is wise. Help us listen well, honor our family, and keep our hearts close to you every day. Show us the right path and give us joy as we follow you. Amen.
