Choosing to be wise rather than foolish sounds like an obvious pick, but sometimes in our lives we focus or rely on the wrong things. This lesson explores what wisdom is and why it’s important. It also considers the difference between artificial intelligence and human creativity, to illustrate how we tend to look to the wrong things for answers. Proverbs reminds us that the way of wisdom is worth pursuing. Genuine intelligence comes from real people, and genuine wisdom comes from the Lord!
God wants us to act as wise and not foolish people, and He helps us to do that. True wisdom comes from recognizing that all we have comes from the Lord, and that who we are is found in Christ. Wisdom comes from knowing that we rely on God and His word, not a machine or tools, for all things. We can be wise because Jesus lives in us. He promises His presence, and when we read God’s word and pray, we can discern wise choices for our lives.
Sunday School Lesson on Proverbs 1 for Children: Thank God for giving us wisdom
Target Audience: Kindergarten-6th grade (Adjustable according to audience)
Materials Needed: Pictures created by Artificial Intelligence; paper plates; glue; markers/crayons; ribbon; pipe cleaners; construction paper; tape; scissors; decorative supplies; Bibles
Lesson Opening: This lesson discusses the importance of wisdom, as described in the book of Proverbs and found through seeking God. Start off with some activities to get your students thinking. Here are some suggested ideas:
- Following instructions: wisdom comes from following God’s instructions. Play a simple game like “Simon Says” or “Follow the Leader” to practice following directions.
- Have a “wise or foolish relay race.” Provide children with several simple scenarios on slips of paper. Students will line up in teams and race to one side of the room, select a slip, and return. They will decide if the decision made was wise or foolish, and place their paper on a large chart with “wise” and “foolish” columns.
- Fake News? Show students pictures created by Artificial Intelligence, or read articles or facts that might sound real but are not. Discuss the importance of discerning what’s right or wrong and following what is genuine.
- Show pictures or actual items that represent choices kids might have to make, such as healthier or not-so-healthy foods, toys versus books, etc. Have students vote for which item might be a more wise decision.
- Proverbs treasure hunt: Take a look at some well-known proverbs and select favorites. Write each one on a piece of gold paper or aluminum foil, and hide them around the room for students to discover.
- Don’t be foolish! Take some time to discuss the meaning of foolishness, and how it is the opposite of wisdom. If comfortable, share a story of a time when you made a foolish decision, or share a news story featuring someone being foolish.
Explain for kids that this lesson focuses on wisdom, and how it appears in the book of Proverbs (specifically the first one). Proverbs reminds us that wisdom is important and God helps us have and use it.
Bible Lesson: Proverbs 1:1-7, 20-33 Explained for Children: Wisdom’s Worth
This passage is from the book of Proverbs. It contains some tougher verses to grasp, but focuses on the importance of wise choices. While the verses do not quite lend themselves to acting out (unless you decide to portray wisdom), it’s simple enough to read out loud. Have older students take turns reading, or read out loud for younger ones. Pause at intervals to discuss what the verses mean.
The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:
2 To know wisdom and instruction,
to understand words of insight,
3 to receive instruction in wise dealing,
in righteousness, justice, and equity;
4 to give prudence to the simple,
knowledge and discretion to the youth—
-Proverbs 1:1-4
These opening verses explain the book of Proverbs and why it was written. Explain to students that King Solomon was the son of David, and when given a choice by God, requested to have wisdom over anything else. Solomon wants to teach that wisdom to others, so the book of Proverbs is a collection of sayings that aims to do just that. It’s a learning course!
Ask: What do you think wisdom is? Where have you heard of it?
Let the wise hear and increase in learning,
and the one who understands obtain guidance,
6 to understand a proverb and a saying,
the words of the wise and their riddles.
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction. -Proverbs 1:5-7
The “riddles” mentioned here are in a sense puzzles that require knowledge or understanding. Wisdom gives us the ability to discern and be guided. Remind children that this is a healthy sort of fear. It’s not terror, but respect and awe of God’s power. God calls us to give Him love and respect, like a child to a parent.
Ask: How do you find understanding when things are challenging?
Have you heard any good riddles?
Wisdom cries aloud in the street,
in the markets she raises her voice;
21 at the head of the noisy streets she cries out;
at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:
22 “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?
How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing
and fools hate knowledge?
23 If you turn at my reproof,
behold, I will pour out my spirit to you;
I will make my words known to you.
Because I have called and you refused to listen,
have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded,
25 because you have ignored all my counsel
and would have none of my reproof,
26 I also will laugh at your calamity;
I will mock when terror strikes you,
27 when terror strikes you like a storm
and your calamity comes like a whirlwind,
when distress and anguish come upon you. -Proverbs 1:20-27
These verses are a little harder to understand. This is a poem, where wisdom is personified as a woman who calls out to people in the streets. To those who refuse to choose the way of wisdom, disaster is sure to come. This doesn’t mean we should rejoice when others meet hardship, of course, but reminds us what awaits foolish behavior. There are consequences for poor decisions. It seems simple to choose wisdom over folly, but sometimes we do this. We tend to put our hope or our dependence in things that don’t last. We don’t want to be like these foolish figures, but should focus on what’s truly most important.
Ask: Have you ever done something foolish? What were the consequences?
28 Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer;
they will seek me diligently but will not find me.
29 Because they hated knowledge
and did not choose the fear of the Lord,
30 would have none of my counsel
and despised all my reproof,
31 therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way,
and have their fill of their own devices.
32 For the simple are killed by their turning away,
and the complacency of fools destroys them;
33 but whoever listens to me will dwell secure
and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”
-Proverbs 1:28-33
These verses echo those of the previous passage, emphasizing the importance of relying on wisdom. Those who reject and turn away from wisdom have the choice to do so, but ultimately will not benefit from it. God gives us many choices in our lives. We can accept His ever-present help and follow Him, or we can turn away and try to do things on our own. When we turn away from Him, though, the things we try to rely on will usually wind up disappointing us. Reading God’s Word, praying, and seeking His wisdom does not disappoint!
Ask: How can we listen to God’s wisdom?
If time allows, take a look at some other Proverbs and words of wisdom in the Bible. Talk about ways that we can seek and find Godly wisdom and why it’s important in our lives. Remind students that even when we do make mistakes and do the wrong thing on occasion, God is there to love and forgive us.
Close with prayer and thank God for giving us wisdom. Ask for His help in making wise choices and following Him.