As parents, we are busy, and often feel like we’re rushing from one task to the next. Although our hearts desire to teach our children the word of God, sometimes we may not know where to start. If you find yourself wanting to study the word with your littles, consider starting with the book of Proverbs. To help you get started, we’ve created a list of the 13 best proverbs for kids.
Proverbs is a great place to start when teaching children the Word because each proverb is packed with so much wisdom from the Lord. With all of the uncertainty in the world today, our children not only need peace and encouragement, they also need wisdom to know how to deal with these uncertain times.
Whether you have a toddler or a teenager, these proverbs for kids will encourage your children and help them put their faith and trust in God. There are so many meaningful verses that your little ones can memorize and apply to their daily lives.
Teaching these proverbs to your children will not only lift their spirits, it will lift yours as well.
13 of the Best Proverbs for Kids
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Tademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™
1. Proverbs 1:7
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (NIV)
It’s so important for our children to know that having a genuine reverence for the Lord is where all wisdom starts. This proverb will give you an opportunity to explain what fearing the Lord means and help them understand the importance of knowing who God is and how to have a reverence for his Word.
2. Proverbs 3:5
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” (NIV)
Even as adults, we tend to rely on our own thoughts and understanding before we ask for wisdom from the Lord. This proverb is a great reminder for our kids that we should trust in the Lord first, and ask him to give us eyes to see in every situation.
3. Proverbs 3:6
“in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (NIV)
The word “submit” is considered taboo to some people, but proverbs reminds us that we should submit to the Lord and what he asks of us. He knows what’s best for us, and for our kiddos as well.
4. Proverbs 3:13
“Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding.” (NIV)
There are many wonderful proverbs for kids, but proverbs such as this one will bring joy to your little one’s hearts. This proverb shows us there are some treasures that are unseen, and the Lord blesses those who seek his wisdom.
5. Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (NIV)
We know how precious our children’s hearts are, but it may take them a long time to realize the importance of guarding their heart. Proverbs 4:23 is brief, but packs a powerful punch as it teaches our little ones that everything in our lives flows from our hearts.
6. Proverbs 6:20
“My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.” (NIV)
It seems pretty simple, but proverbs 6:20 is one that will stay with your little ones for a long time. God knows that our kiddos need our guidance in order to point them in the right direction, and it’s important for our kiddos to know they need our guidance as well.
7. Proverbs 12:1
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.” (NIV)
Stupid is a strong word, but friends, when it comes to correction, the Lord knows we don’t always makes the right choices. Our little ones will benefit from knowing that even adults must be corrected sometimes.
8. Proverbs 13:1
“A wise son heeds his father’s instructions, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.” (NIV)
It takes wisdom and humility to respond to our parent’s instructions, especially when we disagree with them. This proverb is important to share with your children as a way to help them understand the role you play in their spiritual life.
9. Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (NIV)
When you’re finding the best proverbs for kids, proverbs 15:1 is a common one. It’s a great way to teach our littles how important it is to control our words, and to try to stay calm even when those around us are angry.
10. Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” (NIV)
What a sweet way to show our littles why it’s important to choose kind and gracious words. Proverbs 16:24 is an eloquent verse that demonstrates the power of choosing words that give life.
11. Proverbs 18:10
“The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” (NIV)
There are many metaphors in the Bible and so many ways that the Lord is described. The Lord being compared to a fortified tower is a picture of comfort that our littles can carry with them through even the most troubling times.
12. Proverbs 20:7
“The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.” (NIV)
This proverb is a reminder for us as well that children are a gift from God, and it is a huge responsibility to lead them down the right path. Our children look to us to be their leaders, and proverbs 20:7 is a gentle reminder to our children that the Lord will continue to bless them.
13. Proverbs 29:25
“Fear of man will be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” (NIV)
In times like these, it’s hard to avoid fear of other people and of the unknown. This verse is a helpful reminder for our littles that the Lord is our safe place, and all we have to do is put our trust and faith in him.
[Here are 57 of our FAVORITE Easy to Memorize Bible Verses for Children]
Why You Should Teach Your Children Proverbs
Your children will gain so much knowledge and wisdom from each verse. If this is your first time teaching proverbs, here are some reasons why you should teach your children the book of Proverbs:
- Wisdom is hard to come by in our world today. It’s never too early to start teaching your children about the wisdom of the Lord.
- Proverbs are relatively easy for even little children to understand.
- You can read one each night, or you could spend a whole week on just one proverb, digging deeper into its meaning.
- Your children are never too young to read the word of God, and Proverbs is a great starting place.
- Reading Proverbs together will bring you closer as a family, and it will encourage you and your littles.
Tips on teaching your kids proverbs
You don’t have to be a Pastor to be able to teach the word of God to your children.
If you’re feeling at all discouraged, remember that you are the best person to teach your children about the Lord.
Your little ones look up to you, even if it doesn’t always feel like they do. Here are some tips for teaching proverbs to each age group:
Teaching Proverbs to a Toddler
- Be enthusiastic. – All mamas with a toddler know it’s hard to hold their attention for very long. They will mimic your enthusiasm. If you’re excited to read it to them, they will be excited to listen.
- Keep it brief. – Don’t try to make it through five proverbs in one night. If you only make it through one in a night, that’s okay!
- Extend grace to them and to yourself. – At this age, you’re still setting routines and rhythms in your household. It’s okay if they don’t absorb it all at once. God loves their little hearts that are eager to learn, and he will meet them right where they are.
[Here are 31 of the BEST Bible Verses for Toddlers that are EASY to Understand]
Teaching Proverbs to an Elementary Age Child
- Take the time to explain things to them. – At this age, your little ones will be ready to hear a little bit more background information and context for the scriptures.
- Follow their lead. – If they seem attentive and interested when you’ve finished with your reading, keep going!
- Make it a peaceful, quiet time. – As you’re going through the Proverbs, maybe this will be a time with just you and your littles while Daddy puts away the dishes. If you make it a special time, they will be more eager to learn and listen.
Teaching Proverbs to a Teenager
- Consider doing a longer study with each Proverb. – Instead of just giving background information, your teenager is now at an age where they will be longing for the deeper meaning and how it’s still relevant to their lives.
- Give them real-world examples. – When it comes to the wisdom taught in Proverbs, your teenager may not understand how it connects to their real lives. Try to give them an example scenario with each Proverb and show them how they could use wisdom to make the right decisions.
Wrap Up…
No matter what age your children are, it’s never too early (or too late!) to start teaching them the word of God. Proverbs is a wonderful book to study with your kids, because they focus on wisdom and most verses in Proverbs are easy to understand. We hope these proverbs for kids are a blessing to you and your family.
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