Proverbs puzzles are fun to put together because the book of Proverbs contains such pithy statements filled with antithesis. You have opposites right next to each other:
- A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1) - When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable;
but he who restrains his lips is wise. (Proverbs 10:19) - Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you,
Reprove a wise man and he will love you. (Proverbs 9:8)
- A man’s pride will bring him low,
But a humble spirit will obtain honor. (Proverbs 29:23) - The hand of the diligent will rule,
But the slack hand will be put to forced labor. (Proverbs 12:24)
- Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
But he who hates reproof is stupid. (Proverbs 12:1)
- The rod and reproof give wisdom,
But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother. (Proverbs 29:15)
- A joyful heart is good medicine,
but a broken spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17:22)
Grab some colorful construction paper in a light color and cut strips. With a black marker, write the first half of the verse on one slip of paper, and the other half of the verse on the other. Now cut a notch where they fit together. Do this with as many verses as you want.
You can address different character issues with your children, using these pithy statements. Why not do a character study in an area of weakness for your child?
Diligence – Lazy people end up being dead beats, mooching off society. People who are diligent accomplish their goals and have satisfaction in their lives that is impossible for a lazy man to have. I know of a lazy man who destroyed his marriage and family because he just didn’t feel like working. Teach your children now that diligence brings delight and that laziness is harmful.
Wisdom–I pray every day that my children will grow in wisdom. I don’t shield them from everything in life, because I want them to have understanding and perspective. I have read books to my children about Christians who have suffered persecution because of their faith. This helps them to see that when their brother pushes them, this is not the end of the world.
Pride–I also pray for humility for my children. I want them to learn to put the needs of others ahead of themselves, because our basic instinct is to get the best for ourselves. I want my kids to make other people feel valuable and include them. Above all, I don’t want them to be self-righteous and look down on other people, but to consider others as more important than themselves. (Philippians 2)
Anger–Hot-headed people do things that they regret later. They say words that destroy. Proverbs tells us that when we are controlled by anger, we are fools.
Self-control–Our children must learn this character quality before they become teenagers. The key is to yield to God and ask Him what you should be doing. Your mind has a doorway, and you must control what goes in. If you are furious about something, focus your mind on something else until you can gain perspective on the situation. If you feel lust, turn your mind away from it. Never indulge sin, or it will gain a stronghold that will eventually ruin your life.
Purity–I was about 12 years old when I committed before God that I would remain pure until marriage. My husband also committed the same thing when he was a child. Don’t wait until your children are teenagers before addressing this topic, because hormones will make it impossible for them to think clearly. They need to want to obey God more than to please their own desires. This is something that can be taught much more easily at younger ages, when urges are not as strong. The book of Proverbs is not called a wisdom book for nothing. Have your kids memorize these verses and mull them over in their minds until they acquire each positive character quality.
(Scripture references from NASB)
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