This lesson teaches children that God gives us wisdom to make good choices, work hard, stay honest, and keep away from things that hurt us. It suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God gives us wisdom to make wise choices, so we can work hard, be honest, and stay away from things that could harm us.
Memory Verse
Proverbs 6:6
Go to the ant, you sluggard. Consider her ways, and be wise…
(WEB)
Teach children to put one hand flat on the other, then slowly wiggle the fingers of the top hand like busy ants. Ask them to make the wiggle every time they hear the word “ant.”
The Story: Proverbs 6 for Kids
Long ago, a wise father wrote down advice for his son. He wanted his son to learn that God’s teaching is like a lamp that lights the way. The father told his son to keep his parents’ teaching close, like a necklace he wears every day.
The father shared a few warnings. One warning was about promising to pay someone else’s debt. If a son made a promise he could not keep, he could get stuck, like a bird caught in a trap. The father said, “Hurry and get yourself out of that trap. Go and ask your neighbor to let you off the promise.”
Next, the father pointed to the ant. Ants do not have a leader telling them what to do, yet they work hard all summer and store up food for winter. The father said, “Look at the ant and learn to be wise. Do not be lazy like a sleepy sluggard, or trouble will come quickly, like a robber.”
The father also warned his son about lying, cheating, and stirring up fights between friends. He said that God does not like proud eyes, lying lips, or hands that hurt innocent people. These things bring trouble to anyone who chooses them.
Finally, the father warned about being unfaithful and breaking God’s good rules for marriage. He said that choosing these things is like playing with fire. It hurts the person who does them, and it hurts others too. The father’s message was clear: choose wisdom, because wisdom keeps you safe.
Read It Together
Proverbs 6:16-19
16 There are six things which the LORD hates; yes, seven which are an abomination to him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood; 18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are swift in running to mischief, 19 a false witness who utters lies, and he who sows discord among brothers.
(WEB)
Point out that God hates lies, pride, and hurting others. Explain that God sees our hearts and cares about how we treat people, not just what we say.
Proverbs 6:9-11
9 How long will you sleep, sluggard? When will you arise out of your sleep? 10 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: 11 so your poverty will come as a robber, and your scarcity as an armed man.
(WEB)
Show children that sleeping too much when work needs doing can lead to trouble later. Ask them what simple jobs they can do today, such as tidying their room or helping with dishes.
Proverbs 6:20-23
20 My son, keep your father’s commandment, and don’t forsake your mother’s teaching. 21 Bind them continually on your heart. Tie them around your neck. 22 When you walk, it will lead you. When you sleep, it will watch over you. When you awake, it will talk with you. 23 For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light. Reproofs of instruction are the way of life…
(WEB)
Point out that God’s teaching guides us when we walk, watches over us when we sleep, and talks with us when we wake. Remind children that they can read God’s Word and listen to parents who love them.
Talk About It
- What is one thing the ant does that shows wisdom, even without anyone telling her what to do?
- Why do you think God says lying and stirring up fights are so hurtful to others?
- How can God’s teaching be like a lamp that helps us see where to walk?
- What is one way you can work hard this week instead of waiting until the last minute?
- When you feel tempted to do something you know is wrong, what can you do to walk away?
Activity Ideas
Ant Drawing Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Have children draw a simple ant with three body parts, six legs, and two antennae. Ask them to draw a little pile of food near the ant, and write or draw one way they can work hard this week.
Lamp and Light Game
You will need a flashlight and a dark room or a blanket draped over a table. Turn off the lights and let one child hold the flashlight while the others walk slowly to a spot across the room. Talk about how God’s Word lights our path so we can choose wisely, then switch roles.
Wisdom Jar at Home
You will need a clear jar, paper strips, and a pen. Each day for one week, have your child write one wise choice they made, such as sharing a toy or finishing a chore on time, and drop the strip into the jar. At the end of the week, read the notes together and thank God for helping them choose wisely.
Teacher Notes
Proverbs 6 reminds adults that wisdom is practical and shows up in everyday choices, like how we handle promises, how hard we work, and how we treat others. It also shows that sin often starts small and grows into serious harm, so it is wise to guard our hearts early.
Avoid overstating the chapter’s warning about sexual sin to young children. Keep the focus on faithfulness, self-control, and God’s good design for love and trust, and let older children ask questions at an appropriate level with their parents.
A Prayer to Close
Father, thank You for giving us wisdom to make good choices. Help us work hard, tell the truth, and treat others kindly. Show us the way to walk, and keep us close to You each day. Amen.
