This lesson teaches children that God is in charge of our plans, and that we can give our plans to Him and trust Him with the outcome. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
We can make plans and ask God to lead them. He knows the way better than we do, so we trust Him to show us where to go.
Memory Verse
Proverbs 16:3
Commit your deeds to the LORD, and your plans shall succeed.
(WEB)
Teach the children to cup both hands together as if holding a gift, then slowly lift them up toward the ceiling. Say “Commit” as you hold your hands, and “succeed” as you lift them high, so the motion carries the words.
The Story: Proverbs 16 for Kids
Long ago, a wise man named Solomon wrote down many helpful sayings to teach people how to live well. In this chapter, he reminded everyone that people often make plans, but God is the one who helps those plans come true. Think of a boy who draws a big picture and then asks his mother to hang it on the wall. He can make the picture, but he trusts her to find the right spot for it.
Solomon also taught that proud people are not wise. A proud person may think everything they do is good, but God sees their hearts clearly. God wants us to be humble, meaning we know we need Him. The chapter says that when we fear the Lord, we turn away from doing wrong things. Saying “I am sorry” is one way we show humility.
Solomon wrote that being kind and honest is better than having lots of money earned in unfair ways. A small amount of money earned honestly is worth more than a big pile gained by cheating. Honest scales used in a shop were a picture of this truth. Solomon wanted people to know that God cares about how we treat others, not just how much we own.
The chapter ends with a happy thought. It says that a gray-haired person who has lived a good life wears a crown of glory. Solomon said, “Better is one who is slow to anger.” He meant that patience is a gift from God, and that a calm heart is stronger than a loud, angry one.
Read It Together
Proverbs 16:9
A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD directs his steps.
(WEB)
Point out that people make plans in their hearts, and God is the one who guides their steps. Ask the children to name something they planned to do this week and then notice how God helped them get there. Keep this verse simple and gentle.
Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
(WEB)
Explain that pride is thinking we are better than everyone else. Show that this verse warns us that pride leads to trouble, while humility keeps us safe. Ask the children to name a way they can be humble with a friend or sibling.
Proverbs 16:24
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
(WEB)
Talk about how kind words feel sweet, like honey. Point out that our words can bless others and help them feel loved. Invite the children to think of one kind thing they can say to someone today.
Talk About It
- What is a plan you have made, and how can you ask God to help with it?
- Why do you think God wants us to be humble instead of proud?
- What is one way you can show someone that you trust God with your day?
- How can your words make another person feel happy and loved?
- When you feel angry, what is a calm thing you can do instead of getting upset?
Activity Ideas
Draw Your Plan Picture
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask them to draw one plan they have for the week, such as a trip, a game, or a project. At the bottom, have them write or draw a small heart, to remind them that God is with them as they make their plans.
Balance the Scales Game
Use a kitchen scale or two cups hung from a coat hanger as a simple balance. Give the children small items like beans or coins, and ask them to make the scale even. Explain that God wants fair and honest scales, and talk about how we can be fair in our games and sharing.
Kindness Jar at Home
Find an empty jar and some slips of paper. Each day, have the family write one kind word or act on a paper and drop it in the jar. At the end of the week, read the notes together and thank God for the sweet words that have been shared, just as Proverbs 16 says they are like honey.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Proverbs 16 teaches that human planning is real and good, yet God remains the one who directs outcomes. It calls us to honest work, humble hearts, and patient speech. The chapter is a reminder that wisdom is more valuable than wealth and that our character matters as much as our achievements.
Be careful not to tell children that if they make good plans or act kindly, God will always give them what they want. Proverbs speaks in general patterns, not guarantees, so keep the focus on trusting God’s character and goodness rather than promising specific results.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for knowing the plans in our hearts and for guiding our steps. Help us to be humble, kind, and honest with the people around us. We trust You with our day and with everything we hope to do. Amen.
