This lesson teaches children that money and things cannot save us, but God can, and He can be trusted with our lives. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a short story, a memory verse, a few Bible readings, and a simple activity.
Big Idea
Money and stuff can’t buy life forever, but God takes care of us, and we can trust Him instead of our treasures.
Memory Verse
Psalm 49:15
But God will redeem my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me. Selah.
(WEB)
Hold both hands out in front of you, palms up, like you are receiving a gift. Then slowly close them over your heart. Say the verse together as you do the motion, and let the children repeat it until they can do it without looking at you.
The Story: Psalm 49 for Kids
Long ago, a songwriter named a psalm writer wanted everyone to listen carefully. He called to all the people of the world, rich and poor alike, and said, “Listen closely, because I have something wise to tell you.” He was not worried about being brave or being a king. He simply wanted people to think clearly about what really matters in life.
He noticed something sad. Some people trusted in their money and boasted about how much they owned. They built big houses and even named pieces of land after themselves. But the psalm writer saw that wise people die, and foolish people die too. Everyone leaves their money behind for someone else. Nobody can pay God enough money to buy their way out of dying.
Then the psalm writer said something that filled him with peace. He told the people, “Don’t be afraid when someone gets rich.” A rich man cannot take even one coin with him when he dies. His fine house and his fancy clothes stay right here on earth.
But the writer had hope in his heart. He said, “God will save my soul from the power of the grave, because He will take me to Himself.” Money could not buy that rescue, but God gave it freely. The writer trusted God, not gold, and that made all the difference.
Read It Together
Psalm 49:1-2
1 Hear this, all you peoples. Listen, all you inhabitants of the world, 2 both low and high, rich and poor together.
(WEB)
Point out that the psalm begins by calling everyone to listen, not just kings or rich people. Ask the children to notice that God’s message is for both high and low, rich and poor. Emphasize that everyone in the room is invited to listen.
Psalm 49:10-12
10 For he sees that wise men die; likewise the fool and the senseless perish, and leave their wealth to others. 11 Their inward thought is that their houses will endure forever, and their dwelling places to all generations. They name their lands after themselves. 12 But man, despite his riches, doesn’t endure. He is like the animals that perish.
(WEB)
Show the children how the psalm describes people who think their money will last forever, and how even wise and foolish people both die. Explain that these verses are not saying money is bad, but that it cannot keep us alive forever. Help the children see that people often make the mistake of thinking their things will last.
Talk About It
- What is something you really like to have, and how does it make you feel when you have it?
- Why do you think the psalm writer said that money cannot buy a person’s life?
- What is a time you felt safe because someone you trust was taking care of you?
- How can we show that we trust God more than we trust things we own?
- Why is it good news that God can save us even when we cannot save ourselves?
Activity Ideas
Treasure Heart Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a treasure chest and then draw something they love inside it, such as a toy or a favorite food. Next, have them draw a big heart beside the chest with a picture of God inside the heart. Talk about how God is bigger and more valuable than any treasure.
Hands Up for Rescue
You will need an open floor space and a small object, such as a coin or a pebble. Have the children stand in a circle while you hold the object in your hand. Let them take turns trying to grab it, then explain that no one can buy their way out of the grave, but God gives rescue as a gift. End by having the children lift both hands up to receive the gift together.
Take-Home Trust Card
You will need index cards, a marker, and a small rubber band or tape. Have each child write “God saves my soul” on one side of the card and draw a small picture of God’s hand on the other. Encourage them to keep the card in a pocket or backpack. Suggest that they look at it each day and remember that God is their rescuer.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 49 is a wisdom psalm that warns against trusting in wealth, status, or possessions for security. It teaches that every human being faces death, and no amount of money can buy an escape from it. The psalm’s hope rests in God alone, who redeems the soul from the grave, a truth that Christians have long read as pointing toward the greater salvation found in Jesus.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the idea that being rich is always wrong. The psalm warns about trusting in riches, not about owning them. Keep the focus on trusting God, and avoid suggesting that children should feel guilty for having nice things or that poverty automatically means a person is closer to God.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that we can trust You more than anything we own. Help us remember that our things cannot save us, but You can. Thank You for being our rescuer and for taking care of us every day. Help us to listen to You and to love You with all our hearts. Amen.
