HEPHZIBAH GLOBAL MINISTRY

EXPLORING PROVERBS - Make Good Choices!1 Kings 3:1-15; Proverbs 1:1-31:31

ICEBREAKER ACTIVITY

TEACHER DEVOTIONALThe usual choice for a children’s lesson is a Bible story that has a defined plot, memorable characters, and one strong singular moral teaching. While those are great, memorable, and necessary, it does leave a good-sized chunk of the Bible unexplored by the time a child exits the wonderful world of Sunday School. Books like Haggai, Malachi, Leviticus, and the letters of John (to name a few) often get overlooked. But that shouldn’t be the case! As the word of God, the Bible is full of wisdom and insight for all ages, and in the hands of a skilled teacher, even the parts not written in story-form can be made ac-cessible and interesting to children.

Proverbs is one such book. While not a traditional story, it is full of thought-provoking (and sometimes amusing) little lessons that are perfect for kids who have already been exposed to tales with morals (such as fables). The goal is to introduce them to this book, so they’ll explore it more themselves. As for yourself, take some time to meditate on the wisdom in Proverbs and set goals to apply them to your life in order to better “practice what you preach.” We are lights for the Lord, whether in the classroom or otherwise, because our lives should reflect our faith. Children often learn by watching and listening to us when we don’t think they’re paying attention, so it’s important to be a God-fearing good example at all times. Not only are they watching, but God is too.

Mini-Crafty Hands: Make a Thinking Cap

Mini-Game On: Give Me Good Advice

MATERIALS:• Copies of worksheet• Colored paper cut length-wise in thirds• Stapler• Scissors• Glue and/or tape• Coloring tools• Pipecleaners

1. Take two strips of the colored paper (kids can choose colors) and help kids make a headband by connecting two ends first and then taping or stapling the other ends together.

2. Give each kid a copy of the worksheet and have them color and cut-out the pieces they would like to put on their “thinking cap.”

3. Using glue or tape, have them attach the pieces to their thinking cap. They can also add extra decorations like stickers and bells (if available). Tape a lightbulb to a pipecleaner and have it bounce above their heads.

MATERIALS:• Foam ball or a soft object for tossing like a balloon

1. Have everyone either stand in a circle or spaced out so that everyone is an arms-length apart. Go over any safety rules that may be applicable.

2. Throw the object into the air. The kids need to keep it in the air for as long as they can by tossing it to each other. This can be converted to a “get-to-know-you” game by having kids call out the name of the person they would like to catch the object.

3. If someone fails to catch the ball after making contact or someone knocks it to the ground in an attempt to catch it, they must share a piece of good advice with the group. Continue as time allows.

HEPHZIBAH GLOBAL MINISTRY

GOD’S WORD FOR KIDS (Discussion Version)With kids older than elementary age, it’s always a great idea to go straight to the actual text. Read the passage with them, pausing at key moments to discuss what is happening and their thoughts. In this case, prepare certain verses or chapters from Proverbs for them to read together (i.e. along a theme).

There was once a king named Solomon. His father was King David, whom the Bible calls “a man after God’s own heart.” When Solomon took the throne, he knew he had big shoes to fill and lots of important responsibilities as Israel’s leader. • What does it mean to be “a man after God’s own heart?” • What advice would you give to Solomon as he takes the throne?

Not long after he became king, Solomon went to the high place in Gibeon to offer sacrifices to the Lord (there wasn’t a temple yet at this time). He offered ten thousand offerings on the altar there, and then lay down to sleep. During the night, the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Ask for whatever you want for me to give you.” • Solomon offered so many sacrifices to show God he loved Him. How do you show God you love him in your life? • If God said to you what He said to Solomon, what would your answer be? Why?

Solomon remembered how God had been with David and how God had blessed their family by putting them on the throne. He realized that he would need God’s help to rule all the people in Israel because there were many things he still didn’t know. Therefore he asked God to give him wisdom and a discerning heart that knows right from wrong, so he could be a good king. • Respond to Solomon’s request. Do you think it was a good choice? Explain.

God was pleased with Solomon and agreed. But since He was so happy with Solomon, God de-cided to give him even more than he had asked for! God told Solomon that because he asked for wisdom and not for other things like wealth, long life, or the death of his enemies, God would give him all of that too! God would make him greater than any other king in his lifetime if he was faithful to God like his father King David was. • How has God blessed you? • Did you notice that a key part of this is “if he was faithful to God like his father King David was?” Why is this a necessary part of God’s response? Then Solomon woke up and realized it was a dream. He returned to Jerusalem and sacrificed more offerings to the Lord. Solomon later became known as one of the wisest and richest kings in the world of that time. He wrote most of the book of Proverbs which we will explore today and two other books of the Bible (Song of Songs and Ecclesiastes). Proverbs is a book that is full of wise sayings that can apply to us even today.

Sadly, the story doesn’t end there. When Solomon grew older, his heart moved away from God. He had many wives, and they led him astray to worship idols. So God, through a prophet, let it be known that the kingdom was going to be torn away from Solomon and given to someone else to rule. God would leave only one tribe---Judah---for Solomon’s family to rule for King Da-vid’s sake because David had loved God. • People say that David had a whole heart for God and Solomon only had half a heart for God. To that end, what can we learn from this story? • Solomon was given wisdom, but he still made some bad choices. How is that possible? How can we learn from him? • (Older Kids) Read 1 Kings 3:14. Now read 1 Kings 11:4-6, 31-35. Discuss as a group.

HEPHZIBAH GLOBAL MINISTRY

GOD’S WORD FOR KIDS (Preschool Version)With preschoolers, it’s important to keep it simple but to maintain the heart of the passage. Hand motions, sound effects, and such are a great way to keep young ones interested and participating.

Who knows the story of David and Goliath? Well, when David grew up, he became king. He had a son named Solomon who became king after David died. Who’s heard of Solomon before? Well, we’re going to learn about Solomon today. Let’s say “hello” to Solomon. (Have children wave and shout, “Hello, Solomon!”)

Now Solomon was a little scared to be king. It’s a big responsibility to lead a whole country!What does the word “responsibility” mean? (Take responses)What are some responsibilities you have? (Have children share some responsibilities)

Solomon decided to pray to God. He went to a place called Gibeon to give sacrifices to God.What are “sacrifices?” (Take responses)The Bible says we are “living sacrifices” in the book of Romans. That means if we love God, we give our lives to Him completely. Now let’s pray with Solomon. (Have children fold hands and say a quick prayer for hearts that love God and follow Him.)

That night, Solomon went to sleep. He was very tired.Let’s sleep! (Have children put hands under their head and lean/lie down as if sleeping.)

Then God appeared to Solomon in a dream as he slept. God said, “Ask whatever you want, and I will give it to you.”What would you ask for? (Have children share a few responses.)What do you think Solomon will ask for? (Have children share a few responses)

Solomon thought about it. Let’s pretend to think. (Have children act like they are thinking hard.)

He asked God for wisdom to make good decisions as a king for God’s people. Having wisdom is like being smart and knowing right from wrong. God was really happy with Solomon, so He gave Solomon wisdom AND everything else, including a long life, riches, and victory over his enemies.Let’s give Solomon a “thumbs up” for a good choice! (Have children hold out a “thumbs up” as they say, “Good choice, Solomon!”

Solomon woke up and praised God!Let’s praise God! (Have children say, “Praise God!”)

And it happened! Solomon became famous for being a rich and wise king whose country had a time of peace, and he lived a long time. He also wrote some books of the Bible, including Prov-erbs, which teaches us good life lessons.Do you know any good life lessons you want to share with us? (Take responses.)

Sadly, when he got older, Solomon didn’t follow God as much. His father King David, had a whole heart for God. Solomon only had half a heart for God, so after he died, the country of Israel was split in two.Let’s make a sad face. (Have children make sad faces.)Making a good choice is sometimes hard. How can we remember to make good choices in our own lives? (Have children give suggestions.) Remember that God is with you always, kids.

HEPHZIBAH GLOBAL MINISTRY

EDUCATIONAL SPOTLIGHT

CRAFTY HANDS

GAME ON

MEMORY VERSE (ADAPTED FOR YOUNGER KIDS):“Get all the good advice you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.“ Proverbs 19:20

MEMORY VERSE:“Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.” Proverbs 19:20-21

SOCIAL FOCUS/LESSON CHALLENGEChallenge your children to apply what they learned in their daily lives. During the week, have them do one of the following: • Share their faith with someone new and/or invite them to church. • Pick a proverb (or two) that they will try to follow every day this week. • Strive to actively make good choices all week and to quickly make amends if they stumble. Use the “What Would Jesus Do?” motto as a way to remember.

Give children age-appropriate logic puzzles or riddles that they can work together to solve.

Give Good Adivce!Needs: Trash can or basket, kid poster, wide open area without obstacles, tape, markers, two different colors of construction paper

1. Before class, cut two sheets of construction paper (in different colors) into rectangles (about 3”x4.5”) On one color, write bad advice. On the other color, write good advice. With older kids, you can have them participate in the writing and use it for discussion. 2. Blindfold one volunteers (have kids take turns). Set up the kid poster on a wall and put the trash can in a different spot. 3. Spin the volunteer around once and hand him/her one of the advice cards (with a piece of tape attached).4. Have the other kids give the volunteer “good advice,” meaning directions to the correct location. The goal is to tape the good advice to the kid and throw bad advice in the trash.5. When all the cards are gone, have kids read (or read to them) the good advice.

Purpose: This is to remind kids that we need to make decisions with God’s wisdom and the Holy Spirit as our guide and that, as brothers and sisters-in-Christ, we need to encourage others to make good choices too.

Proverbs PerformanceNeeds: Various props and costumes (e.g. towels, toys, etc.), camera, color printer

1. Have kids work in groups of 3-4.2. Have them pick a proverb (or more than one). Here are some that work well for this activity: Proverbs 10:3, 11:13, 12:9, 12:26, 14:30, 15:1, 15:17, 16:9, 17:12, 17:17, and 17:22.3. For younger kids, have them create a tableau (a frozen scene) that fits their proverb. Take pictures and print them out to form a mini-Proverbs booklet for kids to keep. For older kids, they can do the same OR create and perform skits about their proverb.

HEPHZIBAH GLOBAL MINISTRY

Mini-Crafty Hands - “Make a Thinking Cap” Worksheet

HEPHZIBAH GLOBAL MINISTRY

Game On - “Give Good Advice” Kid Poster