Leader Guide

Sword Drill

Tags:
  • Bibles; to make the activity fair for all children, do not use tabbed Bibles or electronic devices unless everyone has them
  • Whiteboard and marker, or chalkboard and chalk
  • Eraser
  • Index cards or paper—1 per team of two children
  • Pencils

This activity is most suitable for children who are familiar with the Bible. As an option, you may 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 answer on the card for each drill. If both players are experienced Bible users, the players can alternate looking up a verse and writing it on the card. Be prepared to help any children with special needs.

Proverbs 1:1 tells us that Solomon wrote the book of Proverbs in the Bible. Does anyone know what a proverb is?

A proverb is a short saying that gives insight or wisdom for living.

Our SuperVerse is a proverb. Let’s say it together. Proverbs 2:6:

For the Lord grants wisdom! From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

This activity is called a sword drill because the Bible tells us that the sword of the Spirit is the Word of God! (See Ephesians 6:17.)

Divide children into teams of two and give each pair a Bible, an index card or piece of paper, and a pencil. Have them number 1–10 on their index cards with room to write a word after each number.

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 about God in the book of Proverbs.

  1. Proverbs 3:19. God formed the world by His _____. (Wisdom)

    2. By wisdom the Lord founded the earth; by understanding He created the heavens.

  2. Proverbs 5:21. The Lord examines every ____ we take. (Path)

    3. For the Lord sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes.

  3. Proverbs 15:9. God loves all who pursue _____. (Godliness)

    4. The Lord detests the way of the wicked, but He loves those who pursue godliness.

  4. Proverbs 15:29. The Lord hears the _____ of the righteous. (Prayers)

    5. The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayers of the righteous.

  5. Proverbs 12:2. The Lord condemns those who plan _____. (Wickedness)

    6. The Lord approves of those who are good, but He condemns those who plan wickedness.

  6. Proverbs 15:26. The Lord delights in _____ words. (Pure)

    7. The Lord detests evil plans, but He delights in pure words.

  7. Proverbs 12:22. The Lord delights in those who tell the _____. (Truth)

    8. The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in those who tell the truth.

  8. Proverbs 15:3. The Lord is watching _____. (Everywhere)

    9. The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping His eye on both the evil and the good.

  9. Proverbs 20:27. The Lord’s light ____ the human spirit. (Penetrates)

    10. The Lord’s light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive.

  10. Proverbs 16:9. The Lord determines our_____. (Steps)

    11. We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.

    Conclusion: King Solomon knew that God was the source of his wisdom and success. He filled the book of Proverbs with his insight and experience with God. These verses give us wisdom and understanding about God, too, so we may follow in ways that please Him.

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