This lesson teaches children that God wants us to make wise choices, the kind that keep us safe and help us treat others well. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including the story, the reading, and a short activity.
Big Idea
God loves it when we make wise, honest choices, even when a foolish choice looks fun or easy at first.
Memory Verse
Proverbs 20:11
Even a child makes himself known by his doings, whether his work is pure, and whether it is right.
(WEB)
Ask children to hold up both hands, then open and close them like a little book as they say the verse together. Then have them point to their heart on the words about what they do. Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time.
The Story: Proverbs 20 for Kids
Long ago, King Solomon wrote a book full of wise sayings to help people live well. In Proverbs 20, he taught about many everyday choices. He talked about people who drink too much wine and then act silly or start fights. He said those people are not making wise choices.
Solomon also talked about a lazy farmer. This farmer would not plow his field when the weather was good. When harvest time came, he had nothing to eat, so he had to beg. The lesson was clear: if you put off your work, you may end up with nothing. A wise person works hard at the right time.
Solomon reminded everyone that honest work and honest actions matter. He said that God cares about fair scales when people buy and sell. God does not like cheating. He wants people to tell the truth and do what is right. Even a child shows what kind of heart they have by what they do each day.
Solomon said something important about God. He said that God made our ears to hear and our eyes to see. God is always watching and listening to us. So we can trust Him to help us as we try to be wise. Solomon finished by saying that a person who wants to be wise must listen to good advice and keep their promises.
Read It Together
Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
(WEB)
Point out the two words “mocker” and “brawler.” Ask children to think of times when someone was a bad friend or made a bad choice because of something they drank or did in a hurry. Explain that this verse warns us to stay away from things that lead us into trouble.
Proverbs 20:7
A righteous man walks in integrity. Blessed are his children after him.
(WEB)
Point out the words “walks in integrity,” which means doing the right thing even when no one is watching. Talk about how a child can do this at school, at home, or on the playground. Remind children that doing right also helps the people who come after us.
Proverbs 20:22
Don’t say, “I will pay back evil.” Wait for the LORD, and he will save you.
(WEB)
Point out that this verse tells us not to pay back bad with bad. Explain that waiting on the Lord means trusting Him to make things right, instead of getting even. Give an example of a friend who takes a toy, and ask what waiting on the Lord might look like.
Talk About It
- What is one choice you made this week that you think was a wise choice, and why?
- Why do you think it is hard to be honest when telling the truth could get you in trouble?
- What can you do when a friend asks you to join in something you know is not right?
- How does working hard at the right time help us, like the farmer in the story?
- How can you remember that God is always watching and listening to you?
Activity Ideas
Wise Choice Path Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a winding road from a starting house to a finish line. Along the road, have them draw small pictures of wise choices, like sharing, telling the truth, or working hard. Let children explain their pictures to the group when they finish.
Honest Scale Game
You will need a kitchen scale or a simple balance made from a coat hanger and two cups, plus some small objects like coins or blocks. Let children take turns placing items on each side to see when the scale is fair and balanced. Talk about how God wants us to be fair and honest, just like a true scale.
Take-Home Wisdom Card
You will need index cards, a pen, and stickers if you have them. Write one short wise choice from the lesson on each card, such as “I will tell the truth.” Have each child decorate the card and take it home to place on the fridge or in a backpack. Encourage them to read it aloud to a family member during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Proverbs 20 is a collection of short sayings that teach practical wisdom about speech, work, honesty, and self-control. It reminds us that the heart is seen in daily choices, and that God cares deeply about justice and integrity in every part of life. These sayings describe general patterns, so they are best read as wisdom rather than guarantees.
With children, avoid suggesting that good behavior always brings immediate rewards or that bad things only happen to people who make mistakes. Some of the verses describe typical outcomes, and life can be more complicated. Focus on God’s faithfulness and on the joy of doing right.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Lord, thank You for giving us wisdom to make good choices. Help us tell the truth, work hard, and be fair to others. When we are tempted to do wrong, remind us that You are always watching over us and that You love us. Help us listen to You and to the people who love us. Amen.
