10 Proverbs to Teach to the Kids

The book of Proverbs can be thought-provoking, challenging … and fun to teach.

Here are great proverbs from the book of Proverbs to talk about with your clubbers (or your own personal kids).

1. Proverbs 11:13 – The one who goes about slandering others reveals secrets,but the one who is trustworthy conceals a matter. (Kids, especially those in older elementary and above need to know the importance of keeping their friends’ confidences. A lot of mean whispering can go on! Encourage kids to be trustworthy.)

2. Proverbs 12:1 –The one who loves discipline loves knowledge, but the one who hates reproof is stupid. (Many verses in Proverbs talk about the importance of knowledge and wisdom. Encourage kids to love learning. What is it that they’re interested in? Plan activities at club where they can use that curiosity by doing research on Bible customs, Bible characters, concepts, etc.)

3. Proverbs 12:10 – A righteous person cares for the life of his animal, but even the most compassionate acts of the wicked are cruel. (Not many kids know that being kind to your pet is a biblical principle. Most kids like animals and they’ll like this verse.)

4. Proverbs 12:16 – A fool’s annoyance is known at once, but the prudent overlooks an insult. (Ah, this is a good one for kids and adults! A fool is someone who quickly acts in anger, but the wise person overlooks an offence. Not always easy for any of us, is it?)

5. Proverbs 13:1 – A wise son accepts his father’s discipline, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. (This verse is saying that a good son [or daughter] listens to their father. A fool doesn’t. The truth is that simple.)

6. Proverbs 15:17 – Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox where there is hatred. (Life in a home that has a lot of love, but lacks money is better than life in a home where there is hate – even if the family does get to eat steak every night!)

7. Proverbs 16:18 – Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. (Watch your pride about pitching a no hitter, playing the lead in the school play, getting the best grade on the super-hard test, etc. Pride crashes … and pride is a sin.)

8. Proverbs 17:14 – Starting a quarrel is like letting out water; stop it before strife breaks out! (Starting an argument with someone is like a leak in a dam – once you start it, it’s difficult to get the arguing stopped.)

9. Proverbs 18:13 – The one who gives an answer before he listens — that is his folly and his shame. (Kids [and adults] often have a problem interrupting and saying what they think without listening to what the other person is saying. We need to listen before we give an answer. Not only does talking without listening get us in trouble, interrupting is also disrespectful.)

10. Proverbs 20:11–Even a young man is known by his actions,whether his activity is pure and whether it is right. (Even children can get a reputation for doing right and living the way God desires us to live. You don’t have to be an adult to live for the Lord.)

These are 10 of many, many Proverbs that are great to discuss with kids. Is there a particular Proverb that you like to discuss with the clubbers?