My oldest is 17 so over the years, we have done lots of different family devotions and Bible studies. One of my favorite had a “Wisdom of the Day” which was a scripture or two from Proverbs to read as you closed out the lesson.

Since then, I have included a “Wisdom of the Day” in my own personal Bible reading and we have memorized many proverbs as a family. The truths found in this book can apply to so many aspects of life.

While there are some proverbs that are written specifically about children, this is a collection of not only those but also others I feel have been helpful for daily living in this rough world.

Background on Proverbs for Children

Proverbs is a collection of sayings for life written from a father to his son which makes it perfect truths to pass on to our children. King Solomon is the author and we know from 1 Kings 3-4 that he is wisest man to have ever lived.

I like the way the Bible Project’s commentary puts it, “The book of Proverbs opens with words from a father to a son about listening to Lady Wisdom (chs. 1-9), and it appropriately closes by offering the words from a mother to her son about a woman who lives wisely (chs. 30-31).”

Chapters 10-29 are a collection of proverbs that are rules for daily living for the one who wants to honor God. They deal with everything from God, family, work, relationships, marriage to emotions, finances, and health. This is where most of our list will focus.

What is Wisdom?

Proverbs 1:7 NIV says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

From this verse, we can deduce wisdom is fearing the Lord and seeking out his instruction.

The Hebrew word for wise is “chokmah” (Strong’s #2451) and it can also be translated as being skillful.

So, true wisdom is having the sense to put godly knowledge into action. It’s a life skill where we choose God’s way.

There is often a compare and contrast of the ways of the wise and foolish through out the proverbs.

The result is that if some one fears the Lord and makes wise, they will be blessed. If one ignores the Lord and acts foolishly, their life will lead to destruction.

Proverbs that Provide Wisdom for Children

All scriptures are from the NIV translation. My suggestion for these is to read one a day and discuss the meaning, how it applies to their life, and why God may have issued this wisdom.

I also like to make a connection to the words of Jesus and writings in the NT that speak to the same concepts so that my kids see that God’s wisdom is timeless.

If you choose to do memory work with them, you may want to just focus on one a week. It would be great to do check ins and ask how your child has applied the verse to living.

The goal is not head knowledge or memorization, but obedience from the heart because these are the commands of the Lord.

• For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Prov. 2:6

• Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Prov. 1:8

• Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid. Prov. 12:1

• The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy. Prov. 12:22

• Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. Prov. 12:25

• The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. Prov. 12:26

• A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Prov. 15:1

• Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Prov. 16:3

• A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. Prov. 17:17

• Even small children are known by their actions, so is their conduct really pure and upright? Prov. 20:11

• A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much. Prov. 20:19

• If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. Prov. 25:21

• Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control. Prov. 25:28

Wisdom in Proverbs for Moms Devotionals

Prayer for Wisdom for Children

Lord, you are the keeper of wisdom. Teach our children to know, understand, and apply the truth of your word in wisdom. Instruct us in right thinking so we can pass on the truth of your commands.

Lord, we long for our families to honor you and show others your glory by living in agreement with the law of the Bible. Guide us by the power of Your Spirit.

Our heart’s desire is for our children to walk in your light and grow to be people who acknowledge you in all their ways. Thank you for passing on wisdom and understanding to your people. Amen.

Short Prayers for Children to Say

More Resources on Wisdom for Children

Try these lessons and ideas to reinforce the concept of wisdom seen through out the Bible.

Growing in Wisdom-Lessons from Jesus as a Child

Teaching Our Children to Seek Wise Counsel

Wise King Solomon

5 Ways the Bible says to Influence Kids for Christ

Have one a little older? Try Wisdom in Proverbs for Teens