Bible verses for children
God’s word is trustworthy.
Numbers 23:19
God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should repent. Has he said, and he won’t do it? Or has he spoken, and he won’t make it good?
Numbers 23:19 · World English Bible Classic (WEB)
In simple words
What does this verse mean?
Balaam says that God is not someone who lies or changes a promise to suit a selfish plan. In this story, a king wants God’s blessing on Israel turned into a curse, but he cannot buy that result. God’s word is not for sale.
If you make a promise and later find it inconvenient, tell the truth and do your best to keep it. Learning faithfulness helps us understand why trustworthy words matter.
Talk about it
What makes someone’s promise trustworthy?
A little more to explore
Bible context & readings +
King Balak has asked Balaam to curse Israel. Numbers 23:18–24 records a message of blessing instead. Verse 19 concerns God’s faithfulness in that encounter; it does not mean every wish we call a promise must happen or that God never responds to prayer.
Full readings at eBible.org · World English Bible Classic. Read with an adult.A simple prayer +
God, help us trust your faithfulness and learn to be truthful in our own promises. Amen.
A suggested prayer, written for this guide.