- Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
In a lively city neighborhood filled with music and laughter, there was a group of kids who loved to play double Dutch on the sidewalk. They called themselves the Jump Jammers, and their ropes swished and snapped like magic. A girl named Zari was the best jumper—she could do fancy tricks like spins and high kicks, and everyone clapped for her. Her best friend, Kyla, always cheered the loudest, saying, “Go, Zari, go!”
But a new girl named Shay joined the group, and she wasn’t so happy about Zari’s skills. Shay wanted to be the star of the Jump Jammers, and her heart turned green with jealousy, like a sour grape. Proverbs 14:30 says, “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” Shay’s envy made her sneaky instead of kind. She didn’t like how everyone loved Zari, so she made a tricky plan.
One day, while the ropes were swinging, Shay whispered to Zari, “I heard Kyla say you’re not that good at jumping. She said I’m way better!” That was a big fib, but Shay wanted Zari to feel bad and mess up. It was like setting a trap, just like Proverbs 26:27 warns: “Whoever digs a pit will fall into it.” Shay thought her trick would make her the best, but she didn’t know Zari was smart.
Zari stopped jumping and tilted her head. She remembered what her grandma always said: “Use your heart to spot tricky people.” Proverbs 2:11 says, “Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.” Zari thought hard. She knew Kyla was her real friend, always cheering for her. Why would Kyla say something mean? Zari decided to be wise and not fall for Shay’s trick.
Instead of getting mad, Zari smiled and said, “Let’s ask Kyla together!” She called Kyla over, and Kyla’s eyes got big. “I never said that!” Kyla told them. “Zari, you’re amazing, and I’m always rooting for you!” Shay’s face turned red—she didn’t expect Zari to be so smart. The other kids heard everything and shook their heads at Shay. “That wasn’t nice,” they said.
Shay’s trick didn’t work, and she felt silly. Proverbs 27:4 says, “Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?” Shay’s jealousy made her act tricky, but it only pushed her friends away. Zari could have been mean back, but instead, she was kind.
“Shay, you’re good at jumping too! Let’s all practice together,” Zari said. Shay felt bad for her trick, but Zari’s kindness made her want to be a better friend.
From then on, the Jump Jammers jumped as a team, laughing and cheering for everyone. Shay learned to be happy for her friends instead of jealous, and Zari kept using her smarts to spot tricky traps. The ropes kept swishing, and the sidewalk stayed full of joy, reminding them all to jump with love, not tricks.
Shay tried to trick Zari with a lie, but Zari used her smarts to avoid the trap. Always think carefully when someone says something that doesn’t feel right!
Shay’s jealousy made her act sneaky, but it didn’t make her happy. It’s better to cheer for your friends than to be jealous.
Zari didn’t get mad at Shay—she used discernment and then showed kindness. Being wise and loving makes everything better!
Included Proverbs 14:30 (jealousy), Proverbs 26:27 (traps), Proverbs 27:4 (jealousy’s power), and Proverbs 2:11 (discernment) to tie in the lessons.
This story teaches kids to be aware of jealous or tricky people, use discernment, and choose kindness, all while keeping the tone light and fun for young readers!
