Proverbs 28
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Long ago there was a wise king. His name was Solomon. God made him very wise. Solomon wrote down what he knew. So other people could learn too.
Today we read something Solomon wrote. It is short, but very important.
Solomon said: some people do bad things. And then they run away. Nobody chases them. But they still run. They are scared inside. They keep looking behind them. Are they being caught? No. But still they run.
And then Solomon said something else. He said: good people are not like that. Good people are brave. As brave as a lion. A lion is not afraid of anything. A lion walks tall through the grass. His head held high. He is not scared.
What Does This Mean?
Do you know what happens when you do something wrong? Something inside you feels yucky. Like a small stone in your tummy. Then you get quiet. Or you hide. Or you run away.
That is what Solomon means. When you do wrong things, your heart gets scared. Even if no one saw it.
But when you do good, your heart is glad. Then you can look at everyone. Then you can play outside. Then you feel strong. As strong as a lion.
The Common Thread
But sometimes we do do something wrong. All of us. Even mommies and daddies. Even the wise king Solomon. Then our heart feels heavy.
Then there is good news. Very good news. God sent Jesus. Jesus is so, so good. Jesus never did anything wrong. Not one time.
And Jesus says: come to Me. If your heart feels heavy, come. I will make you clean. Then you do not have to run anymore. Then you can be brave. Brave as a lion.
Jesus takes the yucky feeling away. That is what He does.
For You
Do you know what is nice? You can talk to Jesus about everything. Even when you did something wrong. Maybe you hit your little brother. Or you took a cookie without asking. Or you said something mean.
You do not have to hide. You do not have to run away. You can go to daddy or mommy. And you can say: I am sorry. And you can say it to Jesus too.
And then something wonderful happens. Then your heart gets light again. Then the stone in your tummy is gone. Then you can play. Then you can laugh. Brave and happy. Because Jesus loves you.
Talk About It
Have you ever done something wrong and then hidden? What did that feel like inside?
A lion is very brave. When are you brave?
Praying Together
Dear Jesus,
Sometimes I do something wrong.
Then my heart is sad.
Thank You that I can come to You.
Thank You that You make me clean.
Then I can be brave.
As brave as a lion.
Amen.
Questions about Proverbs 28
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Proverbs 28 about?
What does Proverbs 28 say?
What does Proverbs 28 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Proverbs 28?
Why is Proverbs 28 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Whoever walks blamelessly is kept safe; but one with perverse ways will fall suddenly."
Notice the word suddenly. The crooked path often feels stable for a long time. You cut a corner, bend the truth, and nothing collapses. But Solomon warns you: the fall is not gradual, it is sudden. Walk straight today, even when nothing seems to depend on it.
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
Open in the Children's Bible tool
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