Single lesson
Proverbs 22: A Good Name
Proverbs 22:1–16; Proverbs 22:17–29
Proverbs 22 gathers short wisdom sayings, then introduces a set of wise teachings to listen to carefully. In this lesson, children compare these voices and see how the passage links character, choices and trust in Yahweh.
Before you teach
The first part of Proverbs 22 gives brief sayings about reputation, humility, generosity, speech, discipline, work and treatment of the poor. Then the passage shifts into a direct call to listen, keep wise words ready, trust in Yahweh and live truthfully in everyday relationships.
Students will identify the shift in Proverbs 22:17 and explain that this passage teaches wise, truthful living shaped by trust in Yahweh.
Welcome: A good name or great riches?
5 minBegin by writing two phrases where everyone can see them: “a good name” and “great riches”. Read Proverbs 22:1 aloud and ask children which one the verse says is more desirable. Briefly explain that “a good name” means a good reputation. Add Proverbs 22:2 to show that both rich and poor are made by Yahweh.
Proverbs 22:1, Proverbs 22:2
Read and explain: Short sayings, then a direct call to listen
7 minRead selected short sayings from Proverbs 22:3-16, then read Proverbs 22:17-21. Help children notice the change in style. Earlier verses are short observations and warnings. In verse 17, the teacher directly says, “Turn your ear” and “Apply your heart”. The purpose is stated clearly in verse 19: “that your trust may be in Yahweh”.
Proverbs 22:3, Proverbs 22:6, Proverbs 22:9, Proverbs 22:13, Proverbs 22:16, Proverbs 22:17, Proverbs 22:18, Proverbs 22:19, Proverbs 22:20, Proverbs 22:21
Discuss: What kinds of choices do these sayings teach?
6 minTalk through several examples from the passage. The children can compare generous choices with selfish ones, calm friendships with angry ones, and careful decisions with risky ones. Point out that wisdom here touches money, friends, words, work and justice. Keep returning to the passage’s central aim: wise teaching is meant to shape trustworthy living before Yahweh.
Proverbs 22:7, Proverbs 22:9, Proverbs 22:22, Proverbs 22:23, Proverbs 22:24, Proverbs 22:25, Proverbs 22:26, Proverbs 22:27, Proverbs 22:29
Make and respond: Reminder card from a key verse
8 minLet each child choose one verse from the passage and make a small reminder card. They can copy the verse, add one picture, and finish the sentence, “This teaches me to...”. Encourage choices such as generosity, listening to wisdom, careful friendships, honest treatment of others or skilled work. Share cards in pairs and explain the verse’s main teaching.
Proverbs 22:1, Proverbs 22:9, Proverbs 22:17, Proverbs 22:19, Proverbs 22:24, Proverbs 22:29
Closing: Say the main lesson together
4 minReview the two main voices in the chapter: short sayings in Proverbs 22:1-16 and the call to listen in Proverbs 22:17-29. Ask the group to say one thing this passage teaches about wise living. Finish by repeating that these truthful words are given so that trust may be in Yahweh.
Proverbs 22:1, Proverbs 22:16, Proverbs 22:17, Proverbs 22:19, Proverbs 22:21
Questions to explore
In Proverbs 22:1, what is said to be more desirable than great riches?
Look for the two things compared in the verse and explain what “a good name” means from the wording of the passage.
Proverbs 22:1
What changes in Proverbs 22:17 compared with many of the earlier sayings?
Notice that the speaker begins directly telling the listener to hear, apply the heart and keep the words ready.
Proverbs 22:17, Proverbs 22:18, Proverbs 22:19
Which everyday relationships are warned about in Proverbs 22:22-27?
List what the verses say about the poor, court, hot-tempered people and taking on debt for others.
Proverbs 22:22, Proverbs 22:23, Proverbs 22:24, Proverbs 22:25, Proverbs 22:26, Proverbs 22:27
Make, think or respond
Wise Words Reminder Card
What you’ll need
- paper or card
- pencils or pens
- coloured pencils or markers
- Bible text
Try it together
- Ask each child to choose one verse from Proverbs 22:1-29 that stands out to them.
- Fold or cut paper into a small card and copy the chosen verse or key phrase onto the front.
- Draw a simple picture or symbol that matches the teaching of the verse.
- On the back, write one sentence beginning, “This teaches me to...”.
- Invite children to share their card and explain how their verse fits the wisdom teaching of the passage.
This activity helps children keep one wise saying “within” them and ready “on your lips”, as the passage describes.
Adapt for your group
- For younger children, offer three pre-selected verses such as Proverbs 22:1, Proverbs 22:9 and Proverbs 22:17, and let them choose from these.
- For older or more confident children, ask them to compare one saying from Proverbs 22:1-16 with one instruction from Proverbs 22:17-29 and explain how both support trust in Yahweh.
An optional closing prayer
Proposed prayer: “Yahweh, please help us listen to wise teaching, love what is right, treat others fairly and trust in you.”
Read the Bible passage World English Bible Classic
Proverbs 22
1 A good name is more desirable than great riches, and loving favor is better than silver and gold.
2 The rich and the poor have this in common: Yahweh is the maker of them all.
3 A prudent man sees danger and hides himself; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it.
4 The result of humility and the fear of Yahweh is wealth, honor, and life.
5 Thorns and snares are in the path of the wicked; whoever guards his soul stays far from them.
6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
7 The rich rule over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender.
8 He who sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.
9 He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.
10 Drive out the mocker, and strife will go out; yes, quarrels and insults will stop.
11 He who loves purity of heart and speaks gracefully is the king’s friend.
12 Yahweh’s eyes watch over knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.
13 The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside! I will be killed in the streets!”
14 The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit. He who is under Yahweh’s wrath will fall into it.
15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
16 Whoever oppresses the poor for his own increase and whoever gives to the rich, both come to poverty.
17 Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise. Apply your heart to my teaching.
18 For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.
19 I teach you today, even you, so that your trust may be in Yahweh.
20 Haven’t I written to you thirty excellent things of counsel and knowledge,
21 To teach you truth, reliable words, to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?
22 Don’t exploit the poor because he is poor; and don’t crush the needy in court;
23 for Yahweh will plead their case, and plunder the life of those who plunder them.
24 Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man. Don’t associate with one who harbors anger,
25 lest you learn his ways and ensnare your soul.
26 Don’t you be one of those who strike hands, of those who are collateral for debts.
27 If you don’t have means to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you?
28 Don’t move the ancient boundary stone which your fathers have set up.
29 Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve kings. He won’t serve obscure men.
World English Bible Classic. Public domain.