This lesson teaches children that God is the true judge who puts down the proud and lifts up the humble, and that we can always thank Him. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including the story, the memory verse, and one activity.
Big Idea
God is in charge of everything, and He is always fair. We can trust Him to make things right, so we do not need to boast or act proud.
Memory Verse
Psalm 75:1
We give thanks to you, God. We give thanks, for your Name is near. Men tell about your wondrous works.
(WEB)
Teach the children to cup their hands together in front of their chests, then lift them up high over their heads as they say the verse together. The lifting motion reminds them that giving thanks to God lifts our hearts up toward Him. Repeat it three times, getting a little louder each time.
The Story: Psalm 75 for Kids
Long ago, a singer wrote a song to God. He began by saying thank you. He told everyone that God’s name is near and that people should tell about all the amazing things God has done. The singer wanted everyone to remember that God is good.
Next, the singer talked about the earth. The ground shakes, and all the people who live on it shake too. But God holds the pillars of the earth firmly in His hands, so the world stays standing. The singer said, “God is the one who keeps everything steady.”
Then the singer spoke to the proud people who were bragging and acting like they were better than everyone else. “Don’t boast!” he said. “Don’t lift up your horn and stick out your stiff neck.” He was reminding them that no one becomes great just by pushing others down.
The singer explained that help and honor do not come from one special direction or from one special place. They come from God alone. God is the judge. He is the one who brings down the proud and lifts up the humble. Only God can decide what is right.
At the end, the singer made a promise. “I will sing praises to God forever,” he said. He also said that God will cut off the power of the wicked, while the good and righteous people will stand up tall and be lifted up.
Read It Together
Psalm 75:3
The earth and all its inhabitants quake. I firmly hold its pillars. Selah.
(WEB)
Point out that God is the one who holds the earth steady, even when everything around us seems to shake. Ask the children what they think it would feel like if the ground moved under their feet. Explain that God keeps the whole world safe and steady.
Psalm 75:6-7
6 For neither from the east, nor from the west, nor yet from the south, comes exaltation. 7 But God is the judge. He puts down one, and lifts up another.
(WEB)
Show the children that help and honor come from God and not from any place or any person. Explain that God is the judge who decides who is lifted up and who is brought low. Remind them that they do not have to fight for their own importance, because God takes care of that.
Psalm 75:9
But I will declare this forever: I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
(WEB)
Point out the word “forever” and explain that the singer wanted to keep praising God every day. Talk about how we can keep singing to God when we are happy, when we are sad, and when we feel brave or scared. God is worthy of our praise all the time.
Talk About It
- What is one thing God has done that you want to tell your friends about?
- Why do you think it is wrong to boast about yourself and put other people down?
- How does it make you feel to know that God is the judge who always does what is right?
- When have you seen someone who was humble and kind, and what did they do?
- What is one way you can say thank you to God this week?
Activity Ideas
Paper Pillar Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and tape. Ask each child to draw a tall pillar on their paper and write the words “God holds the earth” along the side. Then have them draw a little picture of the people and animals who live on the earth standing safely at the bottom. Hang the drawings on the wall so the children can see how God keeps everyone steady.
Lift Up the Horn
You will need a small open space in your room or yard. Have the children stand tall with their chins up and their arms straight over their heads, like a horn lifted high. Then call out, “Don’t boast!” and have them slowly lower their arms and bow their heads in humility. Repeat the game a few times, then finish by having everyone lift their arms and shout, “God is the judge!”
Thank You Jar at Home
You will need an empty jar, paper slips, and a pencil. Place the jar on the kitchen table and keep the slips nearby. Each day at dinner, have each family member write one thing they are thankful to God for, fold the slip, and drop it into the jar. At the end of the week, open the jar together and read every slip aloud to remember how God has been good.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 75 is a song of thanks that trusts God as the righteous judge. The psalm reminds believers that God, not human pride or power, decides who is brought low and who is lifted up. It also invites us to thank God in advance for His justice and to refuse the temptation to boast or puff ourselves up before others.
Be careful not to suggest to children that God will always reward people in this life or that the wicked will always be punished right away. Keep the focus on God’s character as faithful and fair, and on the call to humility and praise, rather than making promises about specific outcomes.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we thank you because your name is near to us. Help us to be humble and kind, and to never boast or push others down. Thank you that you are the judge who always does what is right. Help us to sing your praises forever. Amen.
