Lesson Overview for ADULTS
Proverbs 31:10-31 describes a woman of noble character who demonstrates exceptional qualities including diligence, wisdom, compassion, and strength. While often viewed as a standard for wives and mothers, this passage highlights virtues that all people can admire and cultivate, portraying a person who works with willing hands, cares for others, and lives with purpose.
Opening Activity: Find the Treasures 10:15-10:30 a.m.
Materials needed:
- Sensory Bins with Kinetic Sand
- Treasure items
- Small shovels.
Instructions
Children can dig through to find treasures, reinforcing the concept that some things (like good character) are precious treasures worth looking for. Explain that in our lesson today we will discuss how a good mom has good virtues. Ask what they like most about their mom.
Bible Verse Activity (10:30-10:40 a.m.)
Precious Rubies” Craft
Materials Needed:
- Red tissue paper (several shades if possible)
- Ruby Printouts (cardstock)
- Glue sticks
- Scissors (child-safe)
- Optional: red sequins, glitter, or small red buttons (in place of tissue paper)
- Optional: string or yarn for hanging
Instructions:
- Cut out simple gem/ruby shapes from cardstock – one per child. You can pre-cut these for younger children.
- Have children tear small pieces of red tissue paper (approximately 1-inch squares).
- Show children how to crumple each piece of tissue paper slightly and glue it onto their ruby shape, overlapping pieces until the entire shape is covered.
- For added sparkle, children can glue on red sequins, glitter, or small red buttons.
- On the back of each ruby, children glue the verse: “A person of noble character is worth more than rubies” (Proverbs 31:10 simplified).
- Optional: Punch a hole at the top and add string so children can hang their ruby as a reminder.
While making the craft, discuss how the Bible says someone with good character (like their moms) is more valuable than even the most beautiful gems. Just like we’re making our tissue paper look like precious rubies, the things our moms do for us are precious and valuable.
Song and Movement (10:40-10:50 a.m.)
“Like a Proverbs Woman”
Verse 1: Dignity
She has dignity and grace, yes she does!
She has dignity and grace, yes she does!
She stands strong and brave each day,
Kind and true in every way,
She has dignity and grace, yes she does!
Verse 2: Patience
She shows patience when she waits, yes she does!
She shows patience when she waits, yes she does!
She stays calm and full of grace,
With a gentle, smiling face,
She shows patience when she waits, yes she does!
Verse 3: Diligence
She works with diligence and care, yes she does!
She works with diligence and care, yes she does!
She is strong and doesn’t stop,
Helping others as she mops,
She works with diligence and care, yes she does!
Verse 4: Generosity
She gives with generosity, yes she does!
She gives with generosity, yes she does!
With a heart so full of love,
Giving thanks to God above,
She gives with generosity, yes she does!
Verse 5: Courage
She has courage in her heart, yes she does!
She has courage in her heart, yes she does!
She is brave and full of might,
She stands tall for what is right,
She has courage in her heart, yes she does!
Verse 6: Wisdom
She speaks wisdom every day, yes she does!
She speaks wisdom every day, yes she does!
With kind words and gentle tone,
She makes good choices on her own,
She speaks wisdom every day, yes she does!
Verse 7: Devotion
She shows devotion to the Lord, yes she does!
She shows devotion to the Lord, yes she does!
Every morning, every night,
She walks in the Lord’s great light,
She shows devotion to the Lord, yes she does!
Bible Verse Lesson (10:50-11:00 a.m.)
“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.” Proverbs 31:10.
What are virtues?
Virtues are special ways of being good that live inside you. They help you:
- Make good choices
- Be kind to others
- Do the right thing even when it’s hard
Virtues of a proverbs woman: Dignity, patience, diligence, generosity, courage, wisdom, and devotion.
- Dignity is when you act in a way that makes you feel proud of yourself, like when you use good manners at dinner time.
- Patience is when you can wait for something without getting cranky, like when you wait for your birthday cake while everyone sings to you – or when you wait for your turn to play a game or use a toy.
- Diligence is when you keep trying even when something is hard, like when you tie your shoes by yourself even though it takes a long time
- Generosity is when you share your things with a happy heart, like when you give half of your cookie to your little brother.
- Courage is when you do something scary but you do it anyway, like when you try to pet a friendly dog even though you’re a little afraid.
- Wisdom is when you make smart choices that help you and others, like when you look both ways before crossing the street.
- Devotion is when you show someone you love them all the time, like when you give your mom a big hug every time you see her.
God tells us in the Bible about a very special woman who is worth more than rubies! This woman in Proverbs 31 is helpful and kind. She helps people who need help.
Virtue Island Adventure Game
Kids navigate through “Virtue Island” by demonstrating different virtues to overcome obstacles and collect treasure.
Materials Needed
- Colored construction paper circles (stepping stones)
- Small treasure chests or decorated boxes
- Plastic gems, stickers, or small treats as “treasure”
- Virtue cards
Setup
- Create a path around the room using colored paper circles as stepping stones
- Set up 7 “challenge stations” (one for each virtue)
- Place a small treasure chest at the end of the path
How to Play
Introduction
“Today we’re going on an adventure to Virtue Island! To find the treasure, we need to use our special virtue powers to overcome challenges along the way!”
Game Play
- Children take turns or move in small groups from station to station
- At each station, they complete a simple challenge
- After completing a challenge, they receive a small gem or sticker
- Once they’ve visited all stations, they reach the treasure chest for a final reward
The 7 Virtue Stations
1. Dignity Mountain
Challenge: Stand tall while balancing a book on your hand.
Teacher says: “Show your dignity by standing tall and proud.
2. Patience Pond
Challenge: Sit calmly for 30 seconds while watching a sand timer
Teacher says: “We must wait quietly until the magic sand falls to the bottom.”
3. Diligence Den
Challenge: Complete a simple puzzle or stack 5 blocks
Teacher says: We must work hard and not give up to build something special!
4. Generosity Garden
Challenge: Choose a sticker to give to another friend in the game
Teacher says: We show kindness by sharing something special with others.
5. Courage Cave
Challenge: Reach into a “cave” (decorated box with hole) and touch something inside without seeing it (soft items like cotton balls, feathers, or squishy toys)
Teacher says: Courage Cave is dark and scary! Can you be brave and reach inside?”
6. Wisdom Waterfall
Challenge: Practice saying this week’s Memory Verse.
Teacher says: “Grow is wisdom by memorizing scripture.”
“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.” Proverbs 31:10.
7. Devotion Dock
Challenge: Give a high-five, hug, or kind word to each friend in their group
Teacher says: “Say something special about your mom and why you’re devoted to her.
Final Treasure
When children complete all stations, they arrive at the treasure chest containing a small treat or prize for everyone.
Worth More Than Rubies Keepsake (11:00-11:15 a.m.)
Items Needed
- Worth More Than Rubies Handout (printed on cardstock)
- Red and Gold paint and paint brush
- Wet wipes
- Jewel stickers (optional)
Instructions:
Help each child paint their in gold. Then put their handprint in the middle.
Then have them put finger prints (rubies) all around the outside of the card.
Alternatively, you could have children place jewel stickers around the handprint instead of their fingerprints.
Coloring Page
If you finish the class early, provide the kids with a coloring page. Otherwise, the coloring page can be sent home.
