Session 4 FOR THE LEADER God s Gift of Wisdom Proverbs 1 31 First Kings 4:30 identifies King Solomon, the son of David, as one having wisdom greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East; greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. These statements collectively secured Solomon as the wisest person in the entire known world. The majority of the Book of Proverbs was written by Solomon and shares his wisdom from God. The short sayings of the proverbs help the reader gain understanding in how to live. The Hebrew word that is translated wisdom literally means skill in living. These brief statements give readers skills they can use to live right by presenting the information in short sayings that can be easily remembered. When teaching the proverbs to boys and girls, remember that proverbs are not intended to be statements of fact, but are to offer insight into right living. Using proverbs to help kids see the wonderful truths of God will give kids a greater understanding of who God is and how He desires people to live in order to bring honor to His name. The first seven verses of Proverbs 1 give a great introduction into what the rest of the book covers. Each of these seven verses identifies a type of teaching the proverbs include, along with the benefits to the hearer of that type of teaching. The remaining proverbs fit one of the categories Solomon gave and can serve as an outline for teaching the proverbs. Solomon began by establishing the fact that proverbs are good for obtaining wisdom, which leads to personal discipline. Through the wisdom gained, God illuminates further understanding of the proverbs. The proverbs provide training in righteousness, justice, and personal integrity. The proverbs are valuable to young and old alike. Solomon implored his hearers to pay attention and understand. The closing statement of this section gives the greatest truth of wisdom the fear of the Lord which is the beginning of all wisdom. Those who do not follow God will despise His wisdom and correction. Those who fear the Lord will increase their wisdom. 2018 LifeWay Session 4: God s Gift of Wisdom 29
OVERVIEW SESSION FOCUS BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 1 31 MEMORY VERSE: Proverbs 2:6 TEXT TRUTH: Wisdom is a gift from God that we should seek. CHRIST IN CONTEXT: The Book of Proverbs gives examples of words and actions that believers can follow to practice godly wisdom. Jesus demonstrated God s perfect wisdom in daily life by fulfilling God s standard for right and good living. All wisdom is found in Jesus, the greatest teacher. As we grow in our relationship with Jesus, we can grow in wisdom. GET STARTED TOOLS (10 MINUTES) Bible Skills: Proverbs (Books of the Bible Posters), cups, permanent marker, small foam balls, marker board, dry erase marker, Bible Timeline for Kids Note: To order a set of the Bible Timeline for Kids (Item No. 005811866) contact LifeWay s Customer Service at 1.800.458.2772 or online at www.lifeway.com. BIBLE STUDY TOOLS (35 MINUTES) Jump In: Trinity College Library (DVD- ROM) Examine the Text: Bibles, Text Truth Strips and Christ in Context: Proverbs (Poster Pack) Video: Explore the Bible on Location video Memory Verse: Proverbs 2:6 (Poster Pack) Prayer: Family Cards SMALL GROUP TOOLS (30 MINUTES) Explorer Guides: Bibles, Explorer Guides, pens Move: numbered cube, marker board, dry erase marker Make: wooden craft sticks, decorative tape, duct tape, multi-colored permanent markers, Bibles Explore: insulated cups, markers NOTE: Downloadable versions of DVD items are available in the Digital Video Bundle. Downloadable versions of enhanced CD items are available in the Music and Print Extras Bundle. For free online training on how to lead a group, visit ministrygrid.com/web/explorethebible. 30 Explore the Bible: Older Kids 2018 LifeWay
BIBLE STORY GOD S GIFT OF WISDOM Proverbs 1 31 The Book of Proverbs is a book of wisdom and poetry. Solomon and the other authors wrote down principles and guidelines that people could use to make wise decisions. Respecting God is the beginning of knowledge. Foolish people despise wisdom. A wise person listens and tries to learn. Hatred stirs up trouble, but love forgives. When arrogance comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom. A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person does not reveal secrets. True righteousness leads to life, but seeking evil leads to death. God does not like lying lips. Faithful people are a delight to God. Anxiety weighs down a heart. A good word cheers up a heart. The one who walks with the wise will become wise. A wise person is cautious and turns away from evil. A fool gets angry easily and is careless. A patient person shows great understanding, but someone with a quick temper promotes foolishness. A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath. Wisdom is better than gold. Understanding is preferred to silver. Pride comes before destruction and an arrogant spirit before a fall. Patience is better than power. Controlling your emotions is better than capturing a city. A friend loves at all times. A joyful heart is good medicine. The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected. Even a young man is known by his actions, by whether his actions are pure and upright. The one who pursues righteousness and faithful love will find life, righteousness, and honor. The one who watches his mouth will keep himself out of trouble. A good name is better than silver and gold. KEY POINTS Respecting God is the beginning of wisdom. God wants us to know how to live. TEXT CONNECTION The proverbs recorded in the Book of Proverbs are short statements that tell great truth. Proverbs are intended to declare truths that, if lived by, will lead people into righteous living. The proverbs list many qualities that a righteous person should live by. Solomon, the author of most of the proverbs, shared that the beginning of wisdom lies in God. God is the author of wisdom, and those who want to gain wisdom will respect God and desire to follow Him. Those who do not desire wisdom are foolish. Christian living can be summarized by many of the proverbs that encourage truthfulness, forgiveness, pleasing speech, a joyful heart, and love. We are able to live in such a way because of Jesus. Mark 5 shares of Jesus raising a church leader s daughter from death to life. Jesus actions clearly demonstrated the qualities taught in the Book of Proverbs. Jesus healed the girl out of love for her and for her father. Jesus is our example of right living. EXPLORE THE BIBLE AT HOME See the enhanced CD for additional family resources. 2018 LifeWay Session 4: God s Gift of Wisdom 31
GET STARTED TOOLS: Bible Skills: Proverbs (Books of the Bible Posters), cups, permanent marker, small foam balls, marker board, dry erase marker, Bible Timeline for Kids SUGGESTED VERSES: Romans 10:13 Romans 5:8 Romans 14:19 GET STARTED (10 MINUTES) BIBLE SKILLS Display the Bible Timeline for Kids and help kids note the Bible Book studied last week (Romans) and today s Bible Book (Proverbs). Write a reference to a Memory Verse on the inside of each cup. Place the cups on the floor or a table. Invite the boys and girls to take turns tossing a foam ball into one of the cups. When someone lands a ball in a cup, that person will read the verse reference and attempt to recite the verse to earn five points. If he is not able to recite it, he can look it up and read it for three points. Keep track of the points on the board. After all the verses have been recited or after a designated amount of time, the person with the most points wins. Say: I m so impressed with everything you re learning. Let s take a quick look at Proverbs to get an idea of what we ll be discussing today. Display Proverbs for the boys and girls. Ask questions and enlist volunteers to find the answers on the poster to read aloud to the group. Dismiss to Bible Study. BIBLE SKILLS SPOTLIGHT Memorizes Bible passages and quotes individual verses when given the reference. Locates from memory often-used Bible passages and Memory Verses. 32 Explore the Bible: Older Kids 2018 LifeWay
BIBLE STUDY BIBLE STUDY (35 MINUTES) JUMP IN Greet the boys and girls as you welcome them to Bible Study. Ask: How much knowledge can your mind contain? Allow responses. Encourage the girls and boys to imagine their minds as libraries of information. Display the Trinity College Library visual, and discuss it with the kids. Explain that it contains an enormous amount of information. Say: When we learn, our brains have a way of handling more and more information. Instead of becoming too full of knowledge, the more we learn, the more we re able to learn. Continue: That library is quite impressive and contains many things we could learn. However, wisdom is more than filling our minds with a library full of books. Wisdom is a gift from God that we should seek. EXAMINE THE TEXT Display and reference Christ in Context: Proverbs. Encourage the kids to open their Bibles to Proverbs. Say: The Book of Proverbs gives us lots of practical information as it guides us to a better understanding of God. Read or have the kids help read Proverbs 1:1-7. Invite the girls and boys to share any valuable insight that can be gained from the passage. Allow as much discussion as possible, because the longer they are able to assess the verses and dwell on the importance of wisdom, the more likely they are to seriously consider the practical applications. Say: Usually, I tell the Bible story while you listen. Today, we ll be telling it together. Tell the Bible story using the included page as a guide. Review the proverbs by distributing the strips and inviting kids to read them aloud. Say: These verses help us understand God. These Proverbs show us how He wants people to live with wisdom, but they also reveal more about who God is. Every word guides us closer to God. Ask the kids to express any final thoughts before ending the study time. Encourage them to take the opportunity to ask lingering questions, mention specific Proverbs, or voice general appreciation for God s Word. Display the Text Truth Strip. Offer the boys and girls a chance to volunteer to read it to the group. Wisdom is a gift from God that we should seek. TOOLS: Jump In: Trinity College Library (DVD-ROM) Examine the Text: Bibles, Text Truth Strips and Christ in Context: Proverbs (Poster Pack) Video: Explore the Bible on Location video Memory Verse: Proverbs 2:6 (Poster Pack) Prayer: Family Cards PREPARATION: Examine the Text: Copy and cut apart the Bible story page into strips that kids can read. PLAY THE VIDEO Play the Session 4 video. Ask: Where did Kaileigh travel to? What special item did she learn about? What did she learn about the Book of Proverbs? 2018 LifeWay Session 4: God s Gift of Wisdom 33
BIBLE STUDY MEMORY VERSE Review the previous week s verse, Romans 14:19. Commend the girls and boys who recite it without a reminder. Display the Proverbs 2:6 poster and allow one of the kids to lead the group in reading it together. Encourage the boys and girls to work together to develop motions that represent the words in the verse. Allow them to decide whether they want to assign unique movements to key words and phrases or to each individual word. Say: This verse reminds us that God is the source of wisdom. Because He has given us the Bible, we can know Him and stay focused on what He considers important. Invite the girls and boys to demonstrate their motions as they recite the verse together. PRAYER Distribute the Family Cards, and discuss the Trinity College Library. Say: When you review this card with your family this week, be sure to tell them that God is the source of true wisdom. Review the Text Truth: wisdom is a gift from God that we should seek. Encourage the boys and girls to discuss the questions on the back of the Family Cards and practice Bible skills with their families after each session. Offer suggestions and encouragement to any kids who are not involving their families. Close in prayer by praising and thanking God. Thank Him for providing the Bible for guidance and allowing us to know Him. Allow the boys and girls to individually ask God for wisdom. Dismiss to Small Group. 34 Explore the Bible: Older Kids 2018 LifeWay
SMALL GROUP SMALL GROUP (30 MINUTES) EXPLORER GUIDES Distribute an Explorer Guide to each girl and boy. Help the kids locate today s pages God s Gift of Wisdom. Review today s Bible study of Proverbs by helping kids solve the Proverb or Not? activity. (Answers: Odd numbers are in Proverbs. Evens are not.) Help kids identify each object in Complete the Proverbs. (Answers: eyes, lips, heart, gold, tower, silver) Choose four volunteers to read aloud Record-Winning Books. Invite two strong readers to read about the Trinity College Library. Guide kids to remember the verses in Living Out Proverbs when they need wisdom. TOOLS: Explorer Guides: Bibles, Explorer Guides, pens TECH CONNECT (OPTIONAL) Prior to group, download the Explore the Bible: Kids Family App. Use the activity labeled Explorer Plus on the app. ACTIVITIES Select one or more of the activities to complete as time allows. MOVE MORE OR LESS Tools: numbered cube, marker board, dry erase marker Write team names on the board and designate a method to record the scores. Include an area that shows which numbers gain points and which numbers lose them. Form teams, and give each of the kids on a team two numbered cubes. Instruct the team to say the Text Truth: wisdom is a gift from God that we should seek. After saying the Text Truth, guide the boys and girls on the team to roll their numbered cube. Designate a small area on the floor to drop the numbered cube. Not only will it keep the numbered cube from being misused, it will keep the game moving more quickly if they are easy to collect and count each time. Sides 1, 3, and 5 lose points. Sides 2, 4, and 6 gain points. Subtract the points lost from the points gained, then record the total on the board. Repeat for each team. During designated rounds, offer every team at least two opportunities to recite the Text Truth to reverse the value of the numbered cube. Determine whether to play until a team reaches a certain point value, each team has played a certain number of rounds, or time runs out. Option: For more movement, if the team loses points on the round, they must skip backwards around the room. If they gain points, they can skip forward around the room. 2018 LifeWay Session 4: God s Gift of Wisdom 35
SMALL GROUP MAKE EXPLORE WISDOM STICKS Tools: wooden craft sticks, decorative tape, duct tape, multi-colored permanent markers, Bibles Say: We talked about wisdom today. The practical things that we can take from Scripture help us know how to follow God in our day-to-day lives. Let s make a craft that can remind us of the help we need for our daily walk. Provide each girl and boy with seven craft sticks and tape. Guide the kids to wrap the tape tightly around each of the sticks. Encourage various styles of creative expression. For example, some kids might want to use the decorative tape as the main look, others will use the duct tape, and others might simply draw on it with the markers. Help girls and boys look through the Book of Proverbs and write a Scripture reference on each of their wisdom sticks. Encourage the kids to pick a wisdom stick to carry with them each day this week to remind them to seek wisdom from God. Kids can choose to use the wisdom sticks as bookmarks, tape them up in their lockers, or carry them in their backpacks to see throughout the day. Review the Text Truth: wisdom is a gift from God that we should seek. STACK AND TWIST CUPS Tools: insulated cups, markers Prior to meeting, stack all the cups, and draw three vertical lines along the sides to designate three equal sections around each cup. Provide a marker and ten insulated cups to each girl and boy. Instruct everyone to stack their cups inside one another with the stack upside down. The lip of each cup should be visible. Guide the kids to write each word of the Text Truth along the visible portions of the cups. Ensure that the word stays within the section designated by the previously drawn lines. This should result in each cup showing one word of the Text Truth: wisdom is a gift from God that we should seek. Encourage the boys and girls to mix the order of the cups and stack them again in the wrong order, arranging the words in a single row. They will write the Text Truth again, one word per cup, in another section. Again, they will mix the order of the cups, restack, and write in the final section. This should result in a word being written on each section of each cup. Insist that all cups are removed from the stacks and randomly placed to avoid any advantage. Allow the kids to race to stack the cups in order of the Text Truth. As they stack, they will also be able to twist the cups to reveal various options. The first person to align the cups in the proper order wins. 36 Explore the Bible: Older Kids 2018 LifeWay