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Leader Guide

Sword Drill

  • Bibles: do not use tabbed Bibles or electronic devices unless all children have them
  • Whiteboard and marker, or chalkboard and chalk
  • Eraser
  • Index cards: one per team of two children
  • Pencils

This activity is most suitable for children who are familiar with the Bible.

Divide the children into teams of two. Give each pair a Bible, an index card, and a pencil. Have them number 1–10 on their index cards with room to write a word after each number. As an option, pair experienced Bible users with those who are not. The experienced Bible user can quickly look up the verse and the other child may write the answers on the card. If both players are experienced Bible users, they can alternate looking up a verse and writing the answer on the card. Be prepared to help any children with special needs.

Last time, we found verses in the book of Proverbs to learn more about God. In this activity, we will look up verses about God’s wisdom that we can apply in our lives.

Have children close their Bibles and hold them up in the air before each verse. As you call out a Scripture below, write the reference on the board. Since all the verses are in Proverbs, it would be wise to scan quickly when they hold up their “swords” to make sure no one is using their finger as a marker to get a head start! As teams find the scripture, read the fill-in-the-blank question aloud. Teams will find the verse as fast as possible, write the answer on the card, stand up, and hold the card in the air. Call on the winner to read the answer. If it is correct, the team scores a point. If it is incorrect, award a point to each team standing with the correct answer. Do as many verses as time permits. The team with the most points wins.

Raise your swords high in the air! We are going to quickly look up verses in the book of Proverbs to find practical wisdom that we can apply to our lives.

  1. Proverbs 4:23. You must guard your _____ above anything else. (Heart)

    2. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

  2. Proverbs 4:7. Getting _____ is the wisest thing you can do. (Wisdom)

    3. Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.

  3. Proverbs 3:7. Don’t be _____ with your own wisdom. (Impressed)

    4. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.

  4. Proverbs 19:20. You must get all the advice and _____ you can to be wise. (Instruction)

    5. Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.

  5. Proverbs 3:13. A person who finds wisdom and gains understanding is _____. (Joyful)

    6. Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding.

  6. Proverbs 15:33. _____ of the Lord teaches wisdom. (Fear)

    7. Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.

  7. Proverbs 12:15. Wise people _____ to others. (Listen)

    8. Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.

  8. Proverbs 28:7. Young people are wise who ____ the law. (Obey)

    9. Young people who obey the law are wise; those with wild friends bring shame to their parents.

  9. Proverbs 2:12. Wisdom will save you from _____ people. (Evil)

    10. Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted.

  10. Proverbs 29:25. Trusting the Lord means _____. (Safety)

Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.

Conclusion: The more wisdom we have, the more joyful and secure we can be! God’s wisdom will prepare us for what is ahead and help us avoid evil.