12 Powerful Proverbs to Teach Your Children

The book of Proverbs is a treasure-trove of knowledge. In short bursts, it sums up many key truths of biblical living, wisdom-practicing, and practical stewardship among other things!

This is one of my favorite books of the Bible and, I think, one of the best parts of Scripture to teach our children as well! The verses are easy to memorize and simple enough to stick.

Why Proverbs is an Essential Book of the Bible to Teach your Kids

Read in context, the Proverbs gives an overall picture of what might be considered “take-aways” of Biblical truths. The book of the Bible is especially essential for our kids in two ways:

• It shows our children how to apply Scripture to their lives
• It gives great assurances of who the Lord is
• It teaches our kids the HOW of living a life of faith
• It is incredibly practical, which makes the verses fairly simple to understand 

I love how each book of the Bible has a specific purpose. What a great God we serve!

Here are some biblical Proverbs for kids and some brief words about how each of them can apply to our lives.

At the end of the post, you’ll find a link to some simple printable Scripture cards with these Proverbs on them!

12 Powerful Proverbs to Teach Your Children

We like to use the NASB but you can memorize them in whatever version is your favorite!

1. Proverbs 1:7 – The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction.

It’s so important for our children (and for us!) to know where wisdom starts: by knowing and fearing (reverencing, not being scared of) the Lord!

2. Proverbs 15:1 – A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

How often we’ve repeated this verse in our house. It’s an excellent reminder of the power of our words to be used for good or evil.

3. Proverbs 18:24 – One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (NIV)

Our children will have many opportunities for friendship throughout their lives. I truly desire my kids to identify both what kind of friend to look for and also how to be a good Christian friend!

4. Proverbs 25:28 – Like a city that is broken into and without walls is a man who has no control over his spirit.

Ah, self-control. From keeping your hands to yourself in the van to not hitting your brother (even if you feel frustrated), this is a truth to continually be reinforced. What a blessing though to know that God helps our children to “control their spirit” like 2 Timothy 1:7 says!

5. Proverbs 12:1 – Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.

Yep, stupid. That’s what this proverb tells us is a characteristic of those who do not love knowledge or discipline. Yikes! When this verse talks about discipline and knowledge it refers to “putting oneself in the place of a learner”. In other words, listening to wise advice and being willing to learn and grow! Such a good lesson for each of us, but incredibly important for our children because it helps them to be thoughtful adults who make godly decisions.

6. Proverbs 16:18 – Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.

In a sermon I once heard, the pastor said that he felt as though pride was the root of all sin. I can see how pride causes us to stumble in so many ways, and I pray for a humble and repentant heart for my children and for myself as well.

A good verse to use along with this one for a gospel reassurance is 1 Peter 5:7-8: Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”

7. Proverbs 18:10 – The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.

I love this assurance in the middle of the book of Proverbs. Such a powerful truth to remember throughout our entire lives.

8. Proverbs 4:23 – Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.

The tongue can do a lot of damage, but our words can also be a blessing to others once God turns our hearts toward Him and helps us to show love and kindness instead of being critical. I’m often reminding my children to say kind things to their siblings. It doesn’t seem like they’re learning yet, but I’ve heard slow and steady wins the race! :)

9. Proverbs 31:9 – Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and needy.

Part of being a Christian is to defend the week and help those who are struggling. I want my children to be mission-minded and learn to put others’ needs before their own.

10. Proverbs 13:11 – Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles, but the one who gathers by labor increases it.

Most of us want our children to be wise with money. There’s a lot to teaching our kids about stewardship (and I’m actually planning on talking about that in the future here!) but this and other verses in Proverbs about money are a great start!

11. Proverbs 22:1 – A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, favor is better than silver and gold.

We often see the media draw attention to people who, though they are powerful and influential, are corrupt and make poor decisions. Proverbs tells us that we should desire integrity and a good reputation over power or riches. It’s not that being wealthy is wrong, but it’s more important to focus on growing in wisdom and practicing integrity. What a blessing it is to be thought well of, especially when we represent the gospel!

12. Proverbs 4:7 – The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; and with all your acquiring, get understanding.

Seeking wisdom is a key theme of the Proverbs. A constant pursuit of godly wisdom and knowledge is a great thing to encourage!

None of these characteristics that are described in Proverbs are possible without the grace of God. This is such an essential truth to remind our children about when we are teaching them about the things God calls us to do or be. It is the work of the Spirit that makes the change in their hearts!

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Printable Proverbs Bible Verse Cards

If you’d like some simple printable Scripture cards for these verses, just click this secure link or click on the photo below! You will be directed to a secure link where you can download the cards to your computer!