This lesson teaches children that God’s wisdom helps us make good choices, even when it is hard to do the right thing. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a story, a few Bible verses, and an activity.
Big Idea
God gives us wise instructions to keep us safe, and he wants us to listen to them, work hard, and stay away from things that hurt us and others.
Memory Verse
Proverbs 6:6
Go to the ant, you sluggard. Consider her ways, and be wise…
(WEB)
Hold your hands out in front of you, then wiggle your fingers like tiny ant feet walking. Say the verse together as you wiggle, then repeat it while sitting still and thinking about working hard.
The Story: Proverbs 6 for Kids
This chapter is a set of wise words from a father to his son. He begins by warning his son about a promise he made that could cause trouble. The son had agreed to pay a debt for a neighbor, and now the words he spoke have trapped him. The father tells him to hurry, go humbly to his neighbor, and ask to be set free, just like a deer escapes from a hunter.
Next, the father points to the ant. Ants do not have a boss standing over them, yet they work hard all summer. They gather food when it is easy to find so they will have enough when winter comes. The father asks his son, “How long will you keep sleeping?” He explains that a little extra rest, again and again, can turn into being poor, as if a robber had come to take everything.
The father then describes a person who is always up to no good. This person uses tricky words and secret signs to stir up trouble between friends. The father explains that God does not like things such as proud eyes, lying tongues, and hands that hurt innocent people. God cares deeply about how we treat one another.
Finally, the father urges his son to keep his parents’ teaching close to his heart. He says God’s instructions are like a lamp that lights up the path, guiding us in the right direction. These words help keep us away from things that could hurt us, including temptations that lead to wrong choices and broken promises.
The chapter ends with a clear message. Playing with danger is like walking on hot coals, and it will leave burns. The father wants his son to see that wisdom protects him from harm, and that choosing God’s way is always safer than the path of foolishness.
Read It Together
Proverbs 6:16-19
16 There are six things which the LORD hates; yes, seven which are an abomination to him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood; 18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are swift in running to mischief, 19 a false witness who utters lies, and he who sows discord among brothers.
(WEB)
Point out that God sees our hearts and cares about how we treat others. Ask children to name ways someone might be unkind, such as telling lies or stirring up arguments, and remind them that God is not pleased when we do these things.
Proverbs 6:20-23
20 My son, keep your father’s commandment, and don’t forsake your mother’s teaching. 21 Bind them continually on your heart. Tie them around your neck. 22 When you walk, it will lead you. When you sleep, it will watch over you. When you awake, it will talk with you. 23 For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light. Reproofs of instruction are the way of life…
(WEB)
Show children that God’s teaching is meant to guide them every day, whether they are walking, sleeping, or waking up. Explain that parents’ instructions are one of the ways God helps us learn wisdom, so listening to them is a way of listening to God.
Proverbs 6:9-11
9 How long will you sleep, sluggard? When will you arise out of your sleep? 10 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: 11 so your poverty will come as a robber, and your scarcity as an armed man.
(WEB)
Help children see that the father is warning against laziness that leads to hard times. Talk about how doing our work faithfully and not putting things off helps us grow strong and be ready for what comes next.
Talk About It
- What is one thing the ant does that shows it works hard without anyone telling it what to do?
- Why do you think God wants us to be careful about the promises we make?
- How can listening to our parents and teachers help us make good choices?
- What are some ways we can tell a friend we are sorry when we have hurt them?
- What can you do this week to show God that you want to be wise?
Activity Ideas
Ant Drawing Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Have each child draw a line of small ants walking toward a pile of crumbs or seeds. Encourage them to color each ant a different way and write one word on the paper that describes hard work, such as “busy” or “faithful.” Display the pictures where everyone can see them during the week.
Hot Coals Freeze Game
You will need an open space, a few pieces of masking tape or string to mark a starting line, and a whistle or clap. Children start at the line and walk forward slowly, stepping carefully as if on hot coals. When you call “Stop!” they freeze, and you can ask a question from the lesson before the game continues. This helps children remember that wise choices keep us safe.
Lamp Reminder Card
You will need a index card, a pencil, and a small flashlight or lamp. Ask each child to write or draw a small lamp on the card with the words “Your word is a lamp.” Let them take it home and place it by their bed or on the kitchen table as a reminder to ask God for wisdom each day. Ask them to share with a family member one way they plan to follow God’s teaching this week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter is a practical guide for living wisely in ordinary life. It warns about rash promises, laziness, deceit, and the harm that comes from sexual sin and broken relationships. The father’s calls to keep his parents’ teaching and to remember God’s commands show that wisdom is built through daily faithfulness, not sudden insight.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the sexual content in the chapter, since young children do not need detailed explanations of those verses. Focus instead on the broad lesson that God wants us to keep our hearts pure, honest, and kind, and that his wisdom protects us from harm.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for giving us wisdom to guide our steps. Help us work hard like the ant, listen carefully to our parents and teachers, and stay away from things that could hurt us or others. Teach our hearts to be kind and honest every day. Amen.
