This lesson teaches children that stuff, fun, and busy work cannot fill our hearts, but God gives true joy and wisdom to those who trust Him. It suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Things and fun cannot make us truly happy. God is the one who gives real joy and good gifts to the people He loves.
Memory Verse
Ecclesiastes 2:24
There is nothing better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and make his soul enjoy good in his labor. This also I saw, that it is from the hand of God.
(WEB)
Ask children to cup both hands together in front of their chest like they are receiving a gift, then lift them up toward the sky on the word “God.” Repeat the verse together with the motion three times, and let them choose a new motion for each sentence.
The Story: Ecclesiastes 2 for Kids
A king named Solomon had more than almost anyone who ever lived. He built big houses and beautiful gardens with fruit trees. He dug pools of water so the trees could grow. He had many servants, herds of sheep and cattle, piles of gold and silver, and singers who sang for him every day.
Solomon decided to try everything that might make him happy. He laughed, he ate and drank, and he enjoyed every pleasure he could find. He said to himself, “Come now, I will test you with fun, and see if this is what makes life good.” But when he looked back at all his work and all his stuff, it felt empty, like chasing the wind.
Solomon thought about wisdom too. He saw that wise people can see better, like someone walking in the light, while fools stumble around in the dark. But he also noticed that the wise and the foolish both die in the end, and people often forget them both. That made him sad, and he began to feel tired of all his hard work.
Then Solomon realized something important. He saw that a good life is a gift from the hand of God. Enjoying simple things like eating, drinking, and doing good work is a blessing that comes from Him. Solomon learned that God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to the people who please Him.
Read It Together
Ecclesiastes 2:1
I said in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with mirth: therefore enjoy pleasure”; and behold, this also was vanity.
(WEB)
Point out that Solomon decided to test fun to see if it would make him happy. Ask the children what they think will happen when he tries it, and let them guess before you read on.
Ecclesiastes 2:11
Then I looked at all the works that my hands had worked, and at the labor that I had labored to do; and behold, all was vanity and a chasing after wind, and there was no profit under the sun.
(WEB)
Show how Solomon looked back at all his work and felt it was empty. Explain that having lots of things does not always leave us feeling full, and ask children when they have felt that way.
Ecclesiastes 2:26
For to the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy; but to the sinner he gives travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him who pleases God. This also is vanity and a chasing after wind.
(WEB)
Point out that God gives wisdom and joy to the people who please Him. Remind children that the best gifts come from God, not from the things we collect.
Talk About It
- What is one thing you really enjoy doing that makes you feel happy?
- Why do you think toys and treats feel good for a little while but not forever?
- What do you think it means that good things come from God’s hand?
- How can you show thankfulness to God for the good things you have?
- What is one way you can share what you have with someone else this week?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Gift From God
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a picture of one good thing God has given them, such as family, food, sunshine, or a pet. Let them write one word under the picture and then share it with the group, thanking God for each gift they drew.
Wind Chase Game
You will need a open space, a few paper fans or scarves, and a clear area for running. Let the children hold up their scarves and run after them as the wind blows them along, then stop and talk about how chasing things that cannot be held feels empty. Finish by singing the memory verse while they stand still with their hands open.
Take-Home Thankful Jar
You will need an empty jar, slips of paper, and a pencil. Give each child a few slips and ask them to write one thing they are thankful for each day during the week. Encourage them to read the notes at home with their family and thank God together for each gift.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that a life built only on wealth, pleasure, and achievement feels empty in the end. Solomon’s honest search reminds us that true contentment comes from receiving our daily life as a gift from God and trusting Him with the outcome.
When teaching children, avoid suggesting that money, fun, or hard work are bad in themselves. The point is that they cannot satisfy the heart alone, and that God is the source of every good thing we enjoy.
A Prayer to Close
Father, thank You for the good gifts You give us every day. Help us to enjoy what You have given and to trust You for true joy. Teach us to be wise and to please You in all we do. Amen.
