Top 40 Proverbs for Children & Their Meanings

A combination of ancient wisdom and common sense, proverbs are nuggets of wisdom implemented in daily life to explain a situation in the best manner. When adults frequently make use of famous proverbs, children listen, register and later start using them during their communication too. In this article, we have covered the meaning of proverbs for kids and some proverbs they must know about. These will help them learn about culture, places, personality traits, and a lot of other things. Let’s read!

What Are Proverbs?

Here is the proverb definition for kids.

Proverbs, or gems of wisdom, enable people to connect using the wisdom of the past. Proverbs are also used to compel a person to think deeply about their actions. They are extensively used because of their universality, where everyone can relate to them very well.

30 Best Proverbs That Kids Should Know

Proverbs state an experience or truth based on common sense and are sometimes metaphorically used. They are also called aphorisms, maxims or adages. Some simple and short proverbs teach ethical principles. For the sake of convenience for kids, some childrens proverbs are being listed along with their meanings.

1. A Bird in Hand Is Worth Two in the Bush

Meaning 

It is wiser to make use of the things that are already available rather than hoping to get those things. Things in hand are more valuable than expecting and waiting.

2. Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Meaning 

It is easy to make lofty promises but very difficult to act accordingly or follow them through. So actions are a reflection of a man’s character.

3. A Journey of Thousand Miles Begins With a Single Step

Meaning 

The proverb has inspired many during the ages. In order to achieve a person’s goal or destination, it starts with a small step. Howsoever big a task may be, the most important part is the initial step taken to achieve it.

4. All’s Well That Ends Well

Meaning 

The proverb is purposefully used to convey that if the consequence or outcome of a task is good, then the problems that come up in between do not really matter. Despite all problems, one should finish the task in hand properly.

5. All That Glitters Is Not Gold

Meaning 

This is an oft-quoted proverb which means that anything which attracts you because of its external appearance may not be that worthwhile to use. The inherent quality may not be good, but the exterior look allures people.

6. Always Put Your Best Foot Forward

Meaning 

This forms a very common piece of advice that whenever one participates in any event or takes up an important assignment. One must always try to give the best shot. As we all universally know that the fruit of labour is in God’s hands.

7. An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Meaning

In order to keep fit and healthy, a healthy diet and a regular routine are required. It is said that if an apple is eaten every day, a healthy fruit on a regular basis, it will keep you healthy and you will never have to visit any doctor.

8. An Idle Brain Is the Devil’s Workshop

Meaning 

It is said that a person should always keep himself fruitfully occupied. If a person spends time not doing anything worthwhile, then s/he is likely to get engaged in thinking about some mischief.

9. A Stitch in Time Saves Nine

Meaning 

This means that if any problem is identified, it should be immediately dealt with rather than wait until it worsens or becomes even larger. A corrective measure taken in time saves the problem from growing in proportion and beyond means.

10. As You Sow, So Shall You Reap

Meaning 

The reward or punishment of any deed always depend on the kind of action it is. Good deeds are rewarded with success, and bad deeds are awarded some punishment.

11. Beggars Can’t Be Choosers

Meaning 

This means that people who depend on other people’s generosity for anything cannot get the liberty to choose the item they want as they only can accept what is given by others as an act of kindness.

12. Better Late Than Never

Meaning 

It is used for people who do not finish a given task on time. It is still acceptable that the person finishes it a little late, using more time, than not attempting to do it at all.

13. Clothes Do Not Make the Man

Meaning 

A person cannot be judged by looking at the clothes s/he is wearing or the external appearance. True character of a person can be judged only by the inherent qualities s/he has.

14. Don’t Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch

Meaning

It is a kind of warning telling people not to make plans based on future events or dream about future anticipating certain things, as sometimes it just does not happen at all.

15. Don’t Judge a Book By Its Cover

Meaning 

This is a metaphorical comparison conveying just the way you cannot form a final opinion of a book by looking at the cover. Similarly, you cannot judge a person thoroughly only by looking at the outward appearance.

16. Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket

Meaning 

It says that one must avoid putting all the efforts into a single plan, course of action, investment, goal etc. as s/he may lose everything if it doesn’t work or proves to be a failure.

17. Don’t Put the Cart Before the Horse

Meaning 

It is used to advise people to do systematic work. In a horse cart, the cart is drawn by the horse, and so every work should be done methodically, in proper order.

18. Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining

Meaning 

This means that even if the cloud temporarily hides the sun, but it is still behind the clouds and eventually will emerge. Similarly, every bad, difficult or negative situations can temporarily affect you but later may result in some benefit.

19. Every Dog Has His Day

Meaning 

It is used to motivate a person. It means that even the unluckiest or unfortunate person will gain success at some point in time.

20. God Helps Those Who Help Themselves

Meaning

It means that God is always by our side and will help, but he helps those who desperately try. It is your efforts blessed by God that leads to success.

21. A Friend in Need Is a Friend Indeed

Meaning

The proverb means that you may have many friends, but a true and real friend is someone who helps at a difficult time or when you really need help.

22. A Little Learning Is a Dangerous Thing

Meaning

This means that if a person shares their views and opinions without much knowledge on a particular subject, it could lead to dangerous and risky situations. This proverb is a warning to us that we must do extensive research on a particular topic before we think we are an expert on it.

23. All Work and No Play Makes Jack a Dull Boy

Meaning

The proverbs help us understand that we should make time for relaxation and not work every time. Focusing all our time on work could make us dull, which is unhealthy.

24. The Early Bird Catches the Worm

Meaning

The proverb means to convey to someone that if they do something before anyone else, they have an advantage.

25. Curiosity Killed the Cat

Meaning

The proverb explains being too curious about something can get you into trouble.

26. Look Before You Leap

Meaning

The proverb teaches us that we shouldn’t act or decide before considering the possible consequences and dangers of our act or decision.

27. Make Hay While the Sun Shines

Meaning

This is an old proverb that tells us to make the most of a good situation or an opportunity that is not likely to last long.

28. Pride Comes/Goes Before a Fall

Meaning

This proverb means that if you are overconfident about your abilities, something bad can happen that can make you look foolish.

29. Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day

Meaning

The proverb says that it takes time and effort to achieve something important and helps us understand that good things do not happen overnight.

30. Strike While the Iron Is Hot

Meaning

The proverb conveys that we must take advantage of an opportunity as soon as it arises.

Bible Proverbs for Kids

1. Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Meaning

This proverb teaches what fearing the Lord means and helps us understand the importance of knowing who God is and how to have reverence for his Word.

2. Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.

Meaning

We must trust in the Lord first and ask him to give us eyes to see in every situation.

3. Proverbs 3:6

In all your ways, submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Meaning

The proverbs remind us that we should submit to the Lord and what he asks of us. The Lord knows what’s best for us and for our kids as well.

4. Proverbs 3:13

Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding.

Meaning

The proverb teaches us that there are some treasures that are unseen, and the Lord blesses those who seek his wisdom.

5. Proverbs 4:23

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

Meaning

This proverb teaches our children that everything in our lives flows from our hearts.

6. Proverbs 6:20

My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.

Meaning

The proverb says that children need our guidance to point them in the right direction, and it’s important for them to know they need our guidance as well.

7. Proverbs 13:1

A wise son heeds his father’s instructions, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.

Meaning

This proverb will help kids understand the role you play in their spiritual life.

8. Proverbs 15:1

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Meaning

The proverb teaches kids how important it is to control our words and to try to stay calm even when those around us are angry.

9. Proverbs 16:24

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Meaning

The proverb will teach kids that the power of choosing words give life.

10. Proverbs 20:7

The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.

Meaning

This proverb says that children are a gift from God, and it is a huge responsibility to lead them down the right path. Our children look to us to be their leaders, and children must know that the Lord will continue to bless them.

Why Is It Important to Teach Proverbs to Children?

Here are some points on the importance of teaching proverbs to kids:

• Proverbs can help children know how to enjoy life without making decisions that can ruin them.
• These proverbs are wise sayings and are easy to remember, and will help protect children from evil influences and foolish choices.
• Proverbs are strong teaching that help can protect children from evil influences and self-inflicted wounds.
• Proverbs are designed to help all of us live successfully in God’s world.

Some Tips on Teaching Proverbs to Your Child

Here are some tips for teaching proverbs to kids:

• Be enthusiastic, as it is hard to hold children’s attention for very long. If you’re excited while reading to them, they will be excited to listen to you.
• Keep it brief, and do not rush to teach your child all the proverbs in a single day.

Interesting Facts About Proverbs

Here are some interesting facts about proverbs:

• Proverbs are principles, not promises.
• Solomon is credited as the author of most of the Proverbs.
• The key word in proverbs is “wisdom,” meaning “the ability to live skilfully.
• A proverb comes from the Latin word proverbium.

It is thus quite evident that the list of proverbs for kids is short yet simple and can have a deep impact on the listener. They touch upon every aspect of life, connecting them to the ultimate truth.

Also Read:

Thought Of The Day & Quotes for Children
Informative Educational Quotes for Your Child
Top Inspirational & Motivational Quotes for Kids