This lesson teaches children that God is the true judge of the earth, the one who lifts up and puts down, so we can trust Him instead of bragging about ourselves. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God is the judge. He is fair and strong, so we do not need to boast or be mean to others, because He sees everything and takes care of what is right.
Memory Verse
Psalm 75:7
But God is the judge. He puts down one, and lifts up another.
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands up high like a crown, then slowly bring them down low to their knees as they say, “God is the judge.” Lift up, then bring down, and repeat it together three times so the motion helps them remember.
The Story: Psalm 75 for Kids
Long ago, a songwriter sat down to sing a song of thanks to God. He knew God was close by, and he wanted everyone to hear about the wonderful things God had done. He wrote, in his own way, that people should tell about God’s amazing works.
Next, the songwriter spoke about a time God had picked. When that time came, God would judge with fairness, and nobody could fool Him. The earth might shake, but God held its pillars firmly in His hands. The songwriter paused to let everyone think about how big and strong God is.
Some people in the land were proud and cruel. They loved to brag and boast. The songwriter spoke to them clearly, saying, “Do not brag! Do not lift up your horns and act as if you are better than everyone else.” He wanted them to stop being arrogant and mean.
The songwriter reminded everyone that help and honor do not come from any one direction on the map. Only God decides who is lifted up and who is brought low. God is the judge who puts one person down and raises another up. The wicked people would drink a cup of trouble that God pours out, but the songwriter promised to keep singing praise to God forever.
Read It Together
Psalm 75:1
We give thanks to you, God. We give thanks, for your Name is near. Men tell about your wondrous works.
(WEB)
Point out that the song begins with thanks. Ask the children what they can thank God for today, and remind them that God is always close to us.
Psalm 75:4-5
4 I said to the arrogant, “Don’t boast!” I said to the wicked, “Don’t lift up the horn. 5 Don’t lift up your horn on high. Don’t speak with a stiff neck.”
(WEB)
Show the children how the words describe bragging and a stiff, proud neck. Explain that these are attitudes God does not like, and that we can choose to be humble instead.
Psalm 75:10
I will cut off all the horns of the wicked, but the horns of the righteous shall be lifted up.
(WEB)
Point out the promise that the righteous will be lifted up. Explain that people who do what is good and trust God have a happy future, even when others seem proud or powerful.
Talk About It
- What is something good God has done for you that you can thank Him for today?
- Why do you think God is the one who decides who is lifted up and who is brought low?
- What does it look like to be proud or to brag, and how can we choose to be humble instead?
- How do you feel knowing that God sees everything and is always fair?
- What is one way you can show kindness to someone who might feel small or left out?
Activity Ideas
Crown and Cup Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a tall crown on one side of the paper to show being lifted up, and a cup on the other side to show God’s cup of justice. Let them color their drawings and talk about what each picture reminds them of.
Lift and Lower Game
Gather the children in a circle and have them stand tall with arms raised high. Call out “Lift up!” and have them stretch tall, then call “Bring down!” and have them crouch low. After a few rounds, call out “God is the judge!” as they reach up, then say “Humble hearts!” as they gently lower. This helps children move with the lesson’s big idea.
Take-Home Thankful Jar
You will need an empty jar, paper strips, and a pen. Give each child a few strips and ask them to write or draw one thing they are thankful for, then fold them and place them in the jar. Encourage the family to read a strip together each evening, thanking God for His care and remembering that He is the judge who is always fair.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 75 is a song of thanksgiving that trusts God as the final judge of the world. It reminds believers that human pride and power are temporary, while God’s justice is certain and His people can rest in His faithfulness. The psalm invites us to humility and gratitude.
Avoid overstating to children that God always lifts up good people in worldly success or that bad people will always be obvious. Keep the focus on trusting God’s fairness and choosing humility, rather than suggesting a simple formula of rewards and punishments.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we thank You that You are near to us and that You see everything we do. Help us to be humble and kind, and not to brag or act proud. Thank You for being the fair judge who takes care of what is right. We trust You to lift us up in Your good time. Amen.
