Psalms 12
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Long ago there was a man. His name was David. David was sad. Very sad.
He looked around him. And he saw something that hurt his heart. People were being unkind. They said mean things. They told lies. They used their mouths to hurt others.
David saw it and thought: "Oh no. Where are the good people? Where are the people who love God?"
So David did something. He talked to God. He said: "Help, God! Please help!"
David knew: God listens. Even when everything feels wrong, God hears.
And then something wonderful happened. God spoke. God said: "I see the little ones. I hear when they cry. I hear when they are sad. And now I stand up. I will keep them safe."
David listened. And David smiled a little. Because God's words are good words. God's words are pure and clean, like shiny silver. Every word God says, is true. Every single one.
What Does This Mean?
Sometimes words can hurt. When someone says: "You are silly!" that hurts inside. It stings, like a bump.
But God's words are different. God's words never hurt. God's words are always true. When God says: "I love you," it is really true. When God says: "I see you," it is really true. When God says: "I keep you safe," it is really true.
God does not tell lies. Never, ever.
The Common Thread
David was waiting for Someone. Someone who would come and help. Someone strong.
And that Someone came. His name is Jesus.
Jesus came and He said good words. Kind words. True words. Jesus said to the little children: "Come here. Come to Me." And He put His hands on them. And He blessed them.
Jesus is the biggest good word from God. Jesus is God saying: "I love you very, very much."
For You
Your ears hear a lot of words every day. Kind words. And sometimes mean words too.
Do you know what you can do? You can whisper to God. You can say: "God, someone was not kind to me." God listens. Always.
And you can listen to God too. In the Bible God says: "I made you. I love you. I know your name."
Those are true words. You may keep them in your heart. Like a warm little stone in your pocket.
And your own mouth? Your mouth can say kind things too. "You are my friend." "I love you, mama." "Thank you, God." Little words that make hearts happy.
Talk About It
Which kind word do you like to hear the most?
What do you think God whispers when He looks at you?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank You for Your good words.
Thank You that You never lie.
Thank You that You see me and hear me.
Help me to say kind things too.
I love You, God.
Amen.
Questions about Psalms 12
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Psalms 12 about?
What does Psalms 12 say?
What does Psalms 12 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Psalms 12?
Why is Psalms 12 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
May Yahweh cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that boasts." What makes flattery so dangerous is that it feels like kindness. David saw through it: the next verse exposes the heart, "Our lips are our own. Who is lord over us?" Your words were never your own. Ask what you said yesterday to be liked rather than to be true.
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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