This lesson teaches children that God gives us wise words to speak and wise ways to act, especially when someone is unkind or when we want to be kind back. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the activity.
Big Idea
God wants us to use kind, careful words and to act with honesty and generosity, even toward people who are hard to love. Wise words can help, and wise people think before they speak.
Memory Verse
Proverbs 25:11
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
(WEB)
Hold your hands out in front of you, cupped like you are holding a gold apple. Then turn your hands gently, slowly, as if you are passing something precious to a friend. Say the verse together while you move your hands.
The Story: Proverbs 25 for Kids
Long ago, King Solomon was known for being very wise, and God gave him many wise sayings. Later, some men who worked for King Hezekiah carefully wrote down more of these sayings so that people could keep learning from them. Proverbs 25 is full of short, clear pictures that help us understand how God wants us to live.
The chapter talks about kings and how they should judge matters carefully. It also says that a good king does well to remove bad people from his court, so that his throne stands strong in doing what is right. Then the chapter gives advice that sounds like a friend talking to you: do not push yourself forward to get honor, because it is better to be invited higher than to be shamed in front of everyone.
Next, the chapter talks about how we treat our neighbors. If someone has wronged you, it is better to talk it through together than to rush off and spread stories about them. One line says, “Debate your case with your neighbor,” which means work out your problem face to face and keep private things private.
The chapter also teaches that kind words are powerful. A friend who tells you a hard truth gently is like a beautiful gold earring, and someone who listens to that truth with an open heart is wise. But the chapter warns that a person who brags about gifts they never really give is like clouds with no rain. Words should match what we actually do.
Finally, the chapter says that when someone is hungry or thirsty, even an enemy, we should help them if we can. The Lord sees our kindness and will reward it. Good news from far away feels as refreshing as cold water on a hot, thirsty day, and a gentle answer can do more good than a harsh one.
Read It Together
Proverbs 25:15
By patience a ruler is persuaded. A soft tongue breaks the bone.
(WEB)
Point out that patience and a soft tongue can change someone’s mind more than arguing or shouting. Ask children to think of a time when a calm voice helped them or someone else.
Proverbs 25:21-22
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat. If he is thirsty, give him water to drink: 22 for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the LORD will reward you.
(WEB)
Show children that God asks us to help even people who are unkind to us. Explain that this is not about getting revenge but about trusting God to take care of justice and reward good choices.
Proverbs 25:25
Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
(WEB)
Talk about how good news feels refreshing, like cold water on a hot day. Ask children to name good news they have heard recently, and let them share how it made them feel.
Talk About It
- What is one kind thing you could say to a friend who is feeling sad today?
- Why do you think it is better to let someone else invite you to a higher place than to push yourself forward?
- When someone hurts your feelings, what is a wise way to talk to them about it?
- How can what we say show whether we are being honest or just bragging?
- What is one way you could help someone who is hungry, thirsty, or having a hard day?
Activity Ideas
Golden Apple Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Have each child draw a simple apple shape, color it gold or yellow, and write one kind word inside it. Let them hang their apples on the classroom wall or the refrigerator at home as a reminder that kind words are precious.
Cold Water Relay
You will need two cups, a bowl of water, and a space for children to line up. Divide children into two teams and have them pass a cup of water down a line, moving carefully so no water spills. Afterward, talk about how it took patience and care to carry something important, just like speaking gently.
Kindness Jar at Home
You will need a clear jar, paper slips, and a pen. Each time your child says or does something kind at home, write it on a slip and drop it in the jar. At the end of the week, read the slips together and thank God for the ways you saw His wisdom shown in your family.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Proverbs 25 shows that wisdom is practical. It addresses how we speak, how we treat our neighbors, how we respond to enemies, and how we handle honor and reputation. The chapter reminds us that our words and actions should be sincere and that God notices our kindness even when no one else does.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that kindness always makes enemies change or that doing good guarantees immediate rewards. Keep the focus on trusting God to be faithful and on choosing kindness because it honors Him, not because it guarantees a particular result.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for giving us wise words to help us speak kindly and act honestly. Help us think before we talk, and help us be gentle with our friends and family. When someone is unkind, help us respond the way You would want. We love You and trust You. Amen.
