Safety First

Kids Bible Devotional for September 1, 2026

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Focus Verse

Proverbs 2:11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: (KJV)

Jump Start

Whoa Nellie! Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

Have you ever been so excited about something, you jumped in feet first? We can get ahead of ourselves at times and, in a moment of enthusiasm, forget to think through the consequences. Like forgetting to look both ways before crossing the street. Or, racing around a pool, not remembering how slippery the surface can get when wet.

Sometimes we let our bodies move before we let our brains have time to recognize the dangers. Our story today, entitled “Safety First,” shows what can happen when our actions aren’t balanced with wisdom.

This can happen in our own walk with God. We have to weigh our choices against Biblical truths and sound wisdom.  

Today's Devotion

Gregory finally got to ride in his granddad’s boat. His grandfather, an avid water skier in his younger days, promised Gregory that he would teach him how to water ski. And, now finally, after a long, cold winter, the weather became perfect enough for his grandfather to move his boat from storage to the water.

Gregory stood at the end of the pier and watched his grandfather back the boat into the water down the boat ramp. His mind raced through all the tips his grandad told him about for coming up out of the water on two skis. He hoped he could remember them all.

His grandfather tied the boat to the rope cleats at the edge of the dock. “Now, wait right here, Greg, while I park the boat trailer. Then we’ll head out for your first ski lesson.”

Gregory barely heard a word his grandfather said. His eyes stayed glued to the pair of skis in the back of the boat. Their glossy finish and vibrant colors glistened in the midmorning sun. They drew him in like a bug to a flood light on a muggy, summer’s night.

Gregory stepped onto the edge of the boat. He wasn’t ready when the boat began to rock in the water. He took a faltering step backwards and plopped down onto the dock.

His grandfather called from the parking lot. “Hold up there, son! Wait for me to help you.”

Gregory stood on shaky legs and waited for his grandfather to hop into the boat. The boat bobbed up and down in the water by his weight, but it didn’t seem to faze him.

He tossed Gregory a bright orange life vest. “Put that on before you get into the boat,” he said. “And, until you get used to riding in a boat, wait for someone to help you onboard. When you’re in my boat, safety always comes first. Understand?”

“Yes, sir,” Gregory replied. He snapped on the life vest, then carefully took his grandfather’s hand who helped him board the vessel.

Gregory realized the lesson had already began, starting with a real-life tutorial about patience.

Wrap Up

Thankfully, Gregory didn’t get hurt, but he could have by not listening to his grandfather’s warning. God’s word is filled with warnings that help us make righteous choices. God’s wisdom is our life preserver. It protects us from drowning in our own bad decisions.