LESSON OVERVIEW FOR ADULTS
In Proverbs 6:6–11, Solomon calls his readers to observe the ant’s behavior as an example of diligence and preparation. He contrasts the wisdom of the hardworking ant with the laziness of the sluggard, who refuses to work and ends up in poverty. This proverb teaches the importance of initiative, planning, and the value of work as part of a life lived in obedience to God.
For preschoolers, this passage introduces a key life principle in simple terms: God wants us to work hard and be helpful. While children at this age are not yet independent workers, they are developing attitudes toward responsibility. This lesson lays the foundation that work is a good gift from God and that doing our part helps others and pleases the Lord.
OPENING ACTIVITY 10:15–10:30 | Observe an Ant Farm
Items Needed
Let kids observe ants and talk about how ants are always working. Give them an opportunity to take turns observing. Let kids who are waiting for their turn to observe color the coloring page.
BIBLE VERSE GAME 10:30–10:40 | Ant Marching Memory Verse
Items Needed
- Ant Antennas (1 per child)
- Memory Verse Poster
- Plush Food (like stuffed animal)
- Music (Philipians 4:13 Worship Song)
I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13).
Have kids put on their Ant Antennas and sit in a circle. Have a small plush piece of food that you pass around. When the music stops “randomly” help the child repeat the memory verse. Stop once each child has gone.
SONG 10:40–10:50
BIBLE STORY 10:50–11:00
- Where is this found in the Bible? Proverbs
- Is this in the Old Testament or New Testament? Old Testament
God tells us in Proverbs to look at the little ant and see how hard it works. Ants don’t have a boss, but they still get busy every day. They carry food, build homes, and help their ant friends. God wants us to be like the ant. He wants us to work hard, help others, and not be lazy.
Object Lesson: Show a toy ant and a toy bed. Ask which one is working and which one is sleeping. Let the children say which one God wants us to be like.
- Theological Questions:
- Who made the ants? (God)
- What does God want us to learn from the ants? (To work hard)
- Life Application Questions:
- What is one job you can do to help at home?
- How do you feel when you finish a job all by yourself?
- Prayer: “God, thank You for making work a good thing. Help me be like the ant and do my best every day.”
BIBLE CRAFT 11:00–11:15 | ANT TRAIL ART
Items Needed:
- Manilla Paper
- Brown Paint
- Q-Tips
- Green Crayons
Kids use Q-Tips dipped in paint to make an ant trail across a piece of paper. They can use green crayons to add grass (optional)
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE | Proverbs 6:6–11 (KJV)
6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,
8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.
9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?
10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.
PARENT TAKE HOME SHEET
Today’s Key Takeaway: Work is good
What I learned today: God made work, and it is good. Ants work hard without being told, and I can too. God is happy when I do my best to help.
Questions to ask me:
- Theological:
- Who made ants? (God)
- What book of the Bible teaches us about ants? (Proverbs)
- What does God want me to learn from ants? (To work hard)
- Who gives me strength to do things? (Jesus)
- Is work a good thing from God? (Yes)
- Life Application:
- What job can you do at home this week? (Answers will vary)
- How can you help your teacher or parents? (Answers will vary)
- What should you do if you feel lazy? (Ask God to help and get started)
- How can you be like the ant at school or church? (Help others, stay busy)
- What does it mean to do your best? (Try hard, don’t give up)