This lesson teaches children that God wants us to be kind, gentle, and honest with the people around us, even when it is hard. It is a good fit for children aged 5 to 11, and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God wants us to be kind to our enemies, to speak gently, and to tell the truth. Good words and good actions make people’s hearts feel happy.
Memory Verse
Proverbs 25:11
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold their hands out in front of them, cupped like a bowl, and then slowly open their fingers as they say the verse together. Each time they say it, they can make the open-hand motion to show a kind word being given away like a gift.
The Story: Proverbs 25 for Kids
Long ago, King Hezekiah of Judah had some helpers who copied down wise sayings written by King Solomon. These sayings were saved so that people could learn from them for many years. Solomon had been a very wise king, and his words were still helpful to God’s people.
The wise sayings talked about how to live well with others. One saying told people not to rush into arguments. Another said that a person should not brag or act as if they are better than everyone else. Instead, they should be humble and gentle.
The sayings also taught about kindness. If your enemy is hungry, you should give him food. If he is thirsty, you should give him water. A kind act like this can be a powerful thing, and God sees it and cares about it.
Another saying taught that our words matter. A kind word at the right time is like a beautiful piece of jewelry. Hurtful words, on the other hand, can hurt a friend just like a sharp sword. The wise sayings helped God’s people remember to choose their words carefully.
The chapter ends by reminding everyone that honesty is important. When someone tells the truth, even if it is hard, it can help people trust each other. God wants His people to be honest and kind, always.
Read It Together
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)
Point out that this verse tells us to be kind even to people who are not nice to us. Ask the children what it might look like to give food or water to someone who is angry with them, and remind them that God sees every kind thing we do.
Proverbs 25:15
By patience a ruler is persuaded. A soft tongue breaks the bone.
(WEB)
Show the children that this verse says patience and gentle words can change a person’s mind. Point out that a soft voice often works better than a loud one, and that waiting calmly can help us solve problems.
Proverbs 25:13
As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those who send him; for he refreshes the soul of his masters.
(WEB)
Explain that a faithful messenger is someone who can be trusted to carry a message correctly. Talk about how being faithful and honest with the people who count on us brings them comfort, just like cold snow on a hot day.
Talk About It
- What is one kind thing you could do for someone who has been unkind to you?
- How can a gentle voice help us when we are upset or disagree with a friend?
- Why do you think it is important to be honest, even when the truth is hard to say?
- What did the wise sayings teach us about bragging, and how can we be humble instead?
- When someone says a kind word to you, how does it make you feel inside?
Activity Ideas
Golden Apple Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and gold or yellow paper if you have it. Ask each child to draw a silver dish, then cut out or draw a gold apple to place inside it. As they draw, talk about how a kind word is like a gold apple given at just the right time. Let them write one kind word on their apple.
Kindness Relay Game
You will need two cups of water, two empty cups, and a bit of open space. Divide the children into two teams and have them pass a cup of water from one end of the room to the other, using only their hands, without spilling. Afterward, explain that giving water to someone who is thirsty is a kind act, and ask how they felt helping each other finish the race.
Take-Home Kind Word Jar
You will need an empty jar, paper, and a pen. Have each child write a kind word or honest compliment on a slip of paper and place it in the jar before they go home. Encourage them to read the words aloud at dinner or bedtime for a week. This helps them remember that kind words are precious to God and to the people who hear them.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter is a reminder that wisdom shows itself in how we treat others. It calls us to be humble, patient, and honest, and to answer hostility with generosity. These sayings were gathered to shape everyday relationships, which means they speak directly to how we handle conflict at home, at work, and at church.
When teaching children, avoid overstating that being kind will always make a difficult person change. Scripture gives wise guidance, but people do not always respond the way we hope. Remind children that God rewards faithfulness, and that they can still do the right thing even when others do not.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for the wise words in Your Word that teach us how to live. Help us to be kind, gentle, and honest with our friends and family. When we are tempted to speak harshly, help us to choose kind words instead. Please help us to love others the way You love us. Amen.
