Proverbs is a book of wise sayings.
A proverb is a short saying that is intended to teach a lesson about life. The book of Proverbs is a collection of many wise sayings collected by the Israelites. Some of these proverbs are attributed to King Solomon. Old Testament Seminary Student Material “Lesson 116: Proverbs 1–30”
Seek Wisdom
The book of Proverbs is filled with insights about wisdom. Consider marking the word “wisdom” and related words, like “knowledge” and “understanding,” as you find them chapters 1–4 and 15–16. Consider how you are seeking the Lord’s help to be “wise in heart” (Proverbs 16:21).
Your family might enjoy creating your own “book of Proverbs”—a collection of wise counsel from the scriptures and latter-day prophets.
Proverbs CHAPTER 1 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge—If sinners entice you, do not consent—Those who hearken to wisdom will dwell safely.
Proverbs CHAPTER 2 The Lord gives wisdom, knowledge, and understanding—Walk in the way of good men.
To “fear God” means to love and obey Him.
Proverbs 1:7; 2:5; 15:33; 16:6; Ecclesiastes 12:13
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & “Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022”
- Ask the children to read Proverbs 1:7 and Ecclesiastes 12:13. What does it mean to fear God? To help answer this question, ask a child to read the verses again, replacing the word “fear” with the word “reverence.” Repeat this activity with words like “love,” “obedience,” or “obey.” How does this change our understanding of what it means to fear God?
The Red Crystal See explanation and lesson idea at link
- (see also Hebrews 12:28). How does this affect the way we think about these verses? How do we show that we fear the Lord?
As used in this verse, fear means reverence, or “profound respect mingled with love. … Reverence embraces regard, deference [respect], honor, and esteem” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay [2003], 30).
- Invite each child to choose one of the following verses to read, looking for the word “fear”: Proverbs 1:7; 2:5; 15:33; 16:6. Ask the children to share what their verse teaches about blessings that come when we fear the Lord, which means that we show reverence and respect toward Him (see also Proverbs 14:26–27). How can we show the Lord that we love and respect Him?
Friend June 2021 “Respect for Sacred Things”
Friend June 1999 “Keep the Commandments”
I can trust in the Lord with all my heart.
Proverbs CHAPTER 3 Write mercy and truth upon the tablet of your heart—Trust in the Lord—Honor Him with your substance—Whom the Lord loves He corrects—Happy is the man who finds wisdom.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & “Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022”
- You and your children could make up actions to go with Proverbs 3:5–7, like making a heart with your hands, leaning to one side, walking in place, and pointing to your eyes. How can we show that we trust Jesus Christ with all our hearts?
What qualities do we find in people we trust? What qualities does the Lord have that help us trust Him?
- To show what it means to “lean not unto thine own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5), consider inviting your children to lean against something sturdy and stable, like a wall. Then they could try leaning against something that is not sturdy, like a broom. Or they could try leaning a stick or a pencil against objects of varying sturdiness, such as a book or a piece of paper. Why should we “lean not unto [our] own understanding”? Why is it important to “trust in the Lord” (verse 5) and not our “own understanding”?
Friend June 1998 When we trust someone, we believe in him or her. We feel sure the person will do what he or she promises to do. There is Someone we can always trust. We can always trust the Lord.
- Draw a large heart on the board, and help the children think of things they can do to show that they trust the Lord. Invite them to draw their ideas inside the heart or on a piece of paper. Encourage them to share their ideas with their families.
“Faith in Jesus Christ” (August 2019 Friend)
Make a path through your home that includes objects (or images) representing how you show faith in Jesus Christ.
Image ideas: a picture of people going to church, picture of a child praying, a picture of the ten commandments or children being kind and obeying the commandments.
In English the word lean has a connotation of physically listing or moving to one side. When we physically lean toward one side or another, we move off center, we are out of balance, and we tip. When we spiritually lean to our own understanding, we lean away from our Savior. If we lean, we are not centered; we are not balanced; we are not focused on Christ. (Ensign May 2017 “Trust in the Lord and Lean Not ”
“Ponder the path of thy feet.”
Proverbs CHAPTER 4 Keep the commandments and live—With all your getting, get understanding—Go not in the way of evil men.
26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.
27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.
Proverbs 4:25–27 tells us to look straight ahead and turn away from evil. For children, this means thinking about where your actions are leading you before you make a choice.
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families Old Testament 2022
Proverbs 4 describes wisdom and righteousness as a “path” or a “way” (see also Proverbs 3:5–6). As you read this chapter, you might find passages that help you ponder “the path of thy feet” (verse 26) and how your steps are drawing you closer to the Lord. For example, what do verses 11–12 and 18–19 teach about the blessings of following the right path? What do verses 26 and 27 mean to you? See also 2 Nephi 31:18–21.
Liahona September 2022 “Seeking Spiritual Guidance: Come, Follow Me Family Fun”
- Place a picture of the Savior on one side of a large open area or room.
- Stand on the opposite side of the room. Take turns blindfolding each family member, spinning them in a circle, and then seeing if they can walk to the picture of Jesus Christ without any help.
- Read Proverbs 4:26–27.
Discussion: What types of help have we been given in this life to keep us on a path that leads to Jesus Christ? For further discussion, read Proverbs 3:5–6. What actions do we need to take to trust the Lord with all our hearts?
Come Follow Me Kid “What has God provided to point you to Christ? How are you using these things to draw closer to God?” Write/draw answers on blank arrows (below) and place around the picture of Christ pointing to it.
Come Follow Me Kid Butcher Paper Activity – Get a large piece of butcher paper. Draw a picture of Jesus on one side of it and have
everyone draw a picture of themselves on the opposite side of it. On the space between, draw things we can do
that lead us to Jesus. If you have older kids, they could write specific verses from this week’s reading that advise
us on how to walk toward Christ.
I can use kind words.
Proverbs Chapter 15 A soft answer turns away wrath—A wise son makes a glad father—The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord—Before honor comes humility.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & “Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022”
In tense or frustrating situations, we may be tempted to respond with anger. Proverbs 15:1, 18 teaches us how we can turn away anger.
- Read Proverbs 15:1 to the children, and explain any words or phrases that might be unfamiliar to them. Share a few examples of situations in which a child might feel angry (such as an argument with a brother or sister). Help them think of “soft answers,” or kind words, they could use instead of angry words. Help them practice saying these things softly or in a calm voice.
Friend September 2018 “Show and Tell” “One day I wanted to sit by a bully at school to be friends with her. She yelled at me to go away. I wanted to get her back with my words. But I held my tongue and said, “It’s OK. I’ll sit by someone else.” When I walked away, I felt good for what I did.” Elijah V., age 12, Arizona, USA
Friend March 2022 “What’s on Your Mind?” Sometimes my siblings and I argue and fight. What can I do to get along with them better? (See more at link)
- To learn what it means to be “slow to anger” (Proverbs 15:18), you and your children could share times when you (or someone you know) felt angry but chose to be kind. Help your children think of things we can be quick to if we are “slow to anger.” For example, we can be quick to think about Jesus, to ask Heavenly Father for help, to think of a Primary song, or, if possible, to walk away.
Friend May 2019 “Choose to Be Kind” A girl pushed her way to the front of the line at the bus stop and sat where Samuel and his friend, Mike, had planned on sitting. This started an argument, but Samuel chooses to be kind instead of right, and figures out a solution.
Friend October 2019 “Words Matter” The words we say make a big difference. Trace your finger along the lines to see how the words you say can make others feel. Also, make some kind notes to give to others.
Friend January 2018 “Lucas and the Bully” Lucas stood up to a bully, but the words he used hurt the bully’s feelings. Lucas apologizes and invites the bully to play and they become friends
Latter Day Kids “Kind Words” Lesson ideas
- Sing a song about kindness, such as “Kindness Begins with Me” (Children’s Songbook, 145). What does the song teach us about being kind?
“Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022” Speaking in anger often makes a tense situation even worse. These verses teach that our words and our attitudes can turn away wrath or anger.
- Write the words wrath and strife on the board, and share an example of an argument that children might have. Then ask the children to read Proverbs 15:1, 18; 16:32 and find advice they could give to the children who are arguing. Each time the children share an idea, invite them to erase part of the words on the board. Invite them to replace those words with others describing Christlike attributes that bring peace.
“Cease From Anger” (February 2010 Friend)
Take this quiz to see how forgiving you are. When we are loving and forgiving, we can be peacemakers.
Friend May 2019 “What’s on Your Mind” Ideas on how to get along with siblings.
I can share what I have with others.
Proverbs Chapter 22 A good name is better than riches—Train up a child in the way he should go.
“Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022” Young children can learn to help people around them who are in need. How can you inspire them to share what they have with others?
- Show the children several pictures of others serving or helping people in need, including pictures of the Savior (such as Gospel Art Book, nos. 42, 44, 46). Ask the children to tell you what is happening in each picture. Read to the children Proverbs 22:9. Explain that one way we can serve is by giving “bread to the poor,” but there are many other ways to help those in need. Invite the children to draw a picture of themselves helping someone.
- Bring to class several objects that you can share with the children, such as pictures or crayons. As you give one to each child, say, “I will share with [child’s name].” Let the children take turns sharing the objects with each other. What are some other things we can share with others?
Friend March 2020 “Harry Shares” Harry is playing with toys. He is having fun. Harry sees a girl who looks sad. Harry shares toys with her. Now they are both having fun!
- Sing together a song about service, such as “‘Give,’ Said the Little Stream” (Children’s Songbook, 236). Or show the video “Gordon Hinckley: Lessons I Learned as a Boy” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Ask the children how they feel when they help others.
Additional Resources
Scripture Helps: Old Testament
Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas
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Thank you very much!! I am trying to teach Primary in two languages I do not really know well so it is helpful to find simple easy activity ideas here.