Read the Parable of the 10 Bridesmaids in Matthew 25:1-13. Read this from a children’s bible or substitute the word “Bridesmaid” for “Virgin” in an adult bible. This will save you some extra explanation with younger kids!

The Bible story is about the ten young ladies--five had oil in their lamps (to be able to see where they were going) and five had none so they were not ready. The first five were wise. They made a wise choice to get the oil and be ready when the bridegroom came for them.

Wisdom is knowing what is right and doing it. The first five were wise; they knew what to do and they did it.

Ask: Why do you think the other five were not ready? (Maybe they thought they had plenty of time, maybe they were lazy, maybe they didn't care, etc.) How do you think they felt when they could not get back in to see the bridegroom because they had not prepared? Do you think they regretted their choices?

Can anyone share about a time when you were not prepared and ready? (Let everyone share including your unwise mistakes, if appropriate. Maybe you missed a deadline because you put off working on a project; maybe you missed a chance to invite someone to church; maybe you received a bad grade because you did not do your best work.)

Fire Drill
Talk about the wisdom of being prepared. Plan a fire drill. Reassure the kids that the smoke alarms work, but it is important to be ready in case of a fire. Practice getting to the nearest exit from different places in the house. It is wise to be prepared and ready in case of a fire.

Daily Proverb
King Solomon is called the wisest man who ever lived. He recorded many proverbs in the Bible. There are 31 chapters in the book of Proverbs just as there are 31 days in many months. Read the chapter aloud after dinner that corresponds with the day of the month. (For example, on May 18, read the 18th chapter of Proverbs.) Discuss them and help kids apply the wisdom to daily life.

*Adapted from Splink, a CLEAR Devotional Magazine!