This lesson teaches children that God wants us to choose wisdom over foolish wants, like eating too much or chasing money and fun that do not last. Children ages 5 to 11 can follow it, and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes with a short activity.
Big Idea
God wants us to be wise and to choose what is good, even when something shiny looks tempting. Wise choices make Mom and Dad and God glad.
Memory Verse
Proverbs 23:19
Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path!
(WEB)
Teach the children to place one hand on their heart, then tap their head twice to show “be wise.” Say the verse together while tapping, then repeat it while walking in a small circle.
The Story: Proverbs 23 for Kids
King Solomon’s son is sitting at a fancy dinner with a rich ruler. The food looks delicious, and the ruler keeps saying, “Eat and drink!” But the boy notices that the ruler’s eyes are stingy and his heart is not really kind. The wise father warned his son about this kind of meal before it ever happened.
The father also warned his son about wanting to get rich fast. Money can seem to grow wings and fly away, so it is not wise to wear yourself out chasing it. Wise people choose what is true and good, even when it is not the easiest choice.
Next, the father told his son about friends and feelings. He said, “Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path!” He asked his son to listen to his father and to respect his mother, even when she is old and needs help. A wise child makes his parents glad, and that brings a happy family.
The father also warned about drinking too much wine and eating too much food. People who do this become poor and sleepy, and they end up in trouble. The father said, “Don’t look at the wine when it is red,” because it may look fun but it can bite like a snake. He asked his son to keep his heart pointed toward God all day long.
Read It Together
Proverbs 23:22
Listen to your father who gave you life, and don’t despise your mother when she is old.
(WEB)
Point out that God asks children to listen to the parents who gave them life. Ask the class who helps them every day, and thank those people by name before moving on.
Proverbs 23:24-25
24 The father of the righteous has great joy. Whoever fathers a wise child delights in him. 25 Let your father and your mother be glad! Let her who bore you rejoice!
(WEB)
Show the children that wise children bring joy to their families. Explain that their good choices are a gift to the people who love them, and that parents feel proud and happy when children obey.
Proverbs 23:26
My son, give me your heart; and let your eyes keep in my ways.
(WEB)
Point to the words “give me your heart” and explain that God wants all of our heart, not just our words. Remind the children that we can give our hearts to God by choosing to follow Him in small everyday moments.
Talk About It
- What is one thing that looked tempting to you but was not good for you?
- How can you tell when a choice is wise, and how can you tell when it is foolish?
- Who in your life helps you learn to make good choices, and how can you thank them?
- What can you do this week to show that you are listening to your parents?
- How does God help you keep your heart on the right path when things get hard?
Activity Ideas
Heart Crown Craft
You will need paper, crayons, scissors, and tape. Have each child draw a big heart on paper and write the word “wise” inside it. Cut out a headband strip, tape the heart to the front, and let the children wear their crowns as a reminder to choose wisdom all week.
Tempting Treasure Hunt
Hide small, harmless snacks or stickers around the room. Give each child a bag and a rule: they may pick up only the items that are truly good for them, like a carrot or a book, and must leave the candy alone. Talk about how wise choices take practice, and celebrate the children who choose carefully.
Wisdom Pocket Card
Give each child an index card, a pencil, and a rubber band. Ask them to write Proverbs 23:19 in simple words on the card and decorate the edges. Help them roll the card and fasten it with the rubber band, and suggest they carry it in a pocket as a reminder to listen to God and their parents.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Proverbs 23 is a father’s loving warning to his son about the dangers of greed, overindulgence, and the destructive pull of sin. The chapter calls for self-control, honest work, respect for parents, and a heart that stays faithful to the Lord. Each warning rests on the hope that wisdom leads to a good future.
Avoid telling children that obeying always brings money, health, or easy success. The chapter speaks of wisdom and its blessings, but it does not promise that every wise person will be rich or free from trouble. Focus instead on how God’s wisdom makes our hearts glad and keeps us close to Him.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, help us to choose wisdom when it is hard. Help us listen to our parents and respect the people who care for us. Keep our hearts on the right path and help us give You our whole hearts every day. Amen.
