This lesson teaches children that small choices, like a little foolishness or a little kindness, can make a big difference in how we live and how others feel. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the verse, and a simple activity.
Big Idea
Small things matter. A tiny bad choice can spoil something good, and a gentle, wise choice can calm a hard situation. God wants us to choose wisdom in little things every day.
Memory Verse
Ecclesiastes 10:4
If the spirit of the ruler rises up against you, don’t leave your place; for gentleness lays great offenses to rest.
(WEB)
Put one hand on your heart, then slowly move it outward like you are smoothing a blanket. Say the word “gentle” with each motion. This helps children picture calm, kind words settling a hard moment.
The Story: Ecclesiastes 10 for Kids
Long ago, a wise teacher wrote down many lessons about how life works. He noticed something simple. A jar of sweet perfume could be spoiled by just a few dead flies dropped into it. The whole jar began to smell bad. In the same way, a little foolishness can spoil a lot of wisdom and honor.
The teacher also talked about people in charge, like kings and leaders. He saw that when a ruler gets angry, a wise person should not run away in fear. Instead, a soft answer can calm the anger. Gentleness can settle a big problem before it grows.
He saw some strange things, too. Sometimes foolish people were given important jobs, and rich people sat in low places. He even saw servants riding on horses while princes walked on foot. The teacher reminded everyone that things do not always go the way we expect.
He gave many small examples. If you dig a hole, you might fall in it. If you use a dull ax, you must work much harder. If you use it wisely and sharpen it first, the work becomes easier. Wise words can bring kindness, while foolish talk can trip the one who speaks it. One young person might be told, “Be careful what you say, because your words show who you are.”
The teacher ended with a happy picture. He said the land is blessed when its leaders are wise, and when people work hard, rest well, and share their gifts with joy. Then he added that we should not speak unkindly about our leaders, even in our thoughts, because God hears and knows everything.
Read It Together
Ecclesiastes 10:1
Dead flies cause the oil of the perfumer to produce an evil odor; so does a little folly outweigh wisdom and honor.
(WEB)
Point out how just a little bad choice can spoil something good. Ask the children to name something small that could change a whole day, like one unkind word at lunch.
Ecclesiastes 10:12
The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but a fool is swallowed by his own lips.
(WEB)
Show how wise words are kind and helpful, while foolish words can cause trouble for the person who says them. Ask children to think about a time they wished they had chosen their words more carefully.
Ecclesiastes 10:18
By slothfulness the roof sinks in; and through idleness of the hands the house leaks.
(WEB)
Explain how laziness can slowly cause damage, like a roof sinking when no one fixes it. Point out that caring for small daily jobs keeps a home strong, and that faithful little habits matter to God.
Talk About It
- What is a small thing that can spoil something big, like a few flies in a jar of perfume?
- When someone is angry at you, what is a gentle way you could answer them?
- Why do you think it matters what we say, even when we think no one is listening?
- What is one small job at home that helps the whole family, even when no one notices it?
- How can making one wise choice today help you make more wise choices tomorrow?
Activity Ideas
Perfume Jar Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a clear cup of water with a drop of food coloring. Have children draw a jar of something sweet, then add a small dark dot for a “fly.” Talk about how one dot can change the whole picture, and invite them to draw a gentle, kind action that brightens it again.
Gentle Answer Game
Gather the group in a circle. One child says a grumpy sentence, such as “This game is boring,” and the next child must answer with a calm, kind sentence. Pass the turn around. Encourage children to move slowly and speak softly, which helps them practice wise, gentle words.
Wise Choice Card
You will need index cards, markers, and a stapler or string. Have each child write one wise choice they plan to make this week, such as sharing a toy or finishing a chore on time. Staple or tie the card to a bag or lunchbox, so the reminder goes home with them and sits where they will see it every day.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter is a collection of practical wisdom about how small actions shape a life, a home, and a community. The teacher recognizes that folly and foolish speech can do lasting harm, and that gentleness, diligence, and careful speech reflect a heart that fears God. Adults may also notice the honest tension in the chapter, since life does not always look fair or orderly.
With children, avoid overstating the cause and effect in every situation. Children may think that every mistake ruins everything, or that a kind word always fixes a problem. Gently explain that wisdom is a pattern of choices made over time, and that God gives grace when we fall short, so they can learn without fear.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for helping us notice the small things we do. Help us choose kind, wise words and gentle answers. When we feel lazy or tempted to speak unkindly, remind us that you are with us and that you care about every little choice. Help us grow wiser each day. Amen.
