Teaching Proverbs 16:18 to Kids in a Fun, Memorable Way
Pride can be a tricky thing to talk to kids about.
When a kid disobeys, does something they aren’t supposed to do, or doesn’t do what they should, it can be a little easier to correct it. Usually it’s because those boundaries are more apparent, they can have tangible examples a kid can hold on to. Things like chores, being too rough with siblings, or even complaining they didn’t get that treat at the store while you’re trying to simply check out and get home.
But pride can be more subtle. It can start small. Wanting to be the boss, wanting the credit, or making it all about themselves. The issue with pride isn’t just its sneaky entry points, but that its grasp can affect us all. To be clear, in English the word pride has different definitions depending on context. We aren’t talking about that feeling of doing a job well, or how we express our “pride” in the accomplishment of our kids.
This pride is rooted in being consumed with ourselves, and not the things of God. What starts as a little moment of "it’s all about me” during playtime with friends, can develop over time into a false belief that we have no need for God or other people, and that can do life without Him.
One way to think of it is that pride is a form of self-worship.
We all struggle with it… but the main question is still: “how do I help my kid not let pride become a personality trait?”
Kids are still growing, and they need us parents to guide them in the truth. A lecture, while it may get the point across, may not create a lasting understanding into the dangers of pride. But if we are able to create a clear picture of what pride does, how it hurts people, and what a better path is, then we can really give our kids the tools they need to succeed in life.
That’s where our episode of The Savvy & Craig Show comes in. What starts as a day of fun with Axel, Ulyssa, and Dante quickly gets out of hand when Ulyssa lets one moment go to her head. At first, it’s simple and fun. Everyone is working together, laughing, and using their creativity. But once Ulyssa is invited to help lead the project, things get a little out of hand.
The fort becomes a throne room. Her friends become “peasants.” The pillow fort turns into a kingdom. Then a monument. Then a pyramid. Then an influencer video about “motivating employees.”
It is silly, over-the-top, and very cartoony. But underneath the jokes is a simple truth kids can understand: when pride takes over, things fall apart.
That idea comes straight from Proverbs 16:18, which says:
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
For younger kids, that can be simplified into something like: when we act like we are better than everyone else, it usually leads to trouble.
Kids should feel confident. That’s not the problem. Neither is leadership or creativity. The problem is when being helpful and contributing morphs into thinking you are superior to everyone else.
That is a helpful distinction for kids. God gave us all beautiful gifts, ideas, personalities, and leadership abilities. But those gifts are meant to serve others, to help others, and not make us think we’re better than someone else.
Watch this episode about Pride with your kids! Enjoy the crazy, reflect on the proverb, and help your kid develop the tools to live right!
