This lesson teaches children that God wants us to think before we speak to Him and to keep our promises. Ecclesiastes 5 is a good chapter for children ages 5 to 11, and the whole lesson takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God is in heaven and listens closely, so we should speak carefully, keep our promises, and remember that the best things in life come from Him.
Memory Verse
Ecclesiastes 5:2
Don’t be rash with your mouth, and don’t let your heart be hasty to utter anything before God; for God is in heaven, and you on earth. Therefore let your words be few.
(WEB)
Have children cover their mouths with one hand, then point up to the sky with the other. Say the verse together slowly, and pause before each sentence as if you are waiting for a thought to come out right.
The Story: Ecclesiastes 5 for Kids
Long ago, a wise teacher named Solomon wrote down what he had learned about life. He wanted people to know that God is in heaven and we are here on earth, so we should be careful about what we say to Him. When people went to the temple, he told them to listen more than they talked.
He warned about making promises to God. If someone promised to give something to God, Solomon said they should pay it back quickly. It was better to make no promise at all than to make one and never keep it. A broken promise made God unhappy, and people should fear God more than they fear their own careless words.
Solomon also noticed that people in power could treat the poor unfairly. He said that even officials have other officials above them, so the world can seem strange and unfair. He reminded everyone that the good things of the earth are meant for all people, not just a few.
Next, Solomon talked about money. He said that people who love money never feel they have enough. A worker can sleep sweetly after a good day, but a rich man may lie awake because he is worried about his riches. Solomon pointed out that we cannot take our money with us when we die. We come into the world with nothing, and we leave with nothing.
The chapter ends with a happy thought. Solomon said that it is good to eat, drink, and enjoy the work God gives us. Every good gift comes from God. When we remember Him, our hearts can be filled with joy, and we can be thankful for what we have.
Read It Together
Ecclesiastes 5:4-5
4 When you vow a vow to God, don’t defer to pay it; for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay that which you vow. 5 It is better that you should not vow, than that you should vow and not pay.
(WEB)
Point out that God wants us to keep our promises. Ask children to think about a time they promised to help someone or to do a chore. Explain that God cares about keeping our word, so we should think carefully before we make a promise.
Ecclesiastes 5:10
He who loves silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase: this also is vanity.
(WEB)
Show children that wanting more and more money never makes a person truly happy. Explain that the people who love money are never fully satisfied. Help them see that true happiness comes from something other than having more stuff.
Ecclesiastes 5:18-19
18 Behold, that which I have seen to be good and proper is for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy good in all his labor, in which he labors under the sun, all the days of his life which God has given him; for this is his portion. 19 Every man also to whom God has given riches and wealth, and has given him power to eat of it, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God.
(WEB)
Point out that God gives us good things to enjoy, like food, rest, and work. Explain that these gifts come from Him and we can be thankful for them. Help children name a few good gifts God has given them this week.
Talk About It
- What do you think it means that God is in heaven and we are on earth?
- Why is it important to keep the promises we make, especially to God?
- How can we make sure our words are kind and thoughtful?
- Why do you think money cannot make a person truly happy all the time?
- What are some good gifts from God that you enjoy every day?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Promise Keeper
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a picture of something they can promise God to do this week, such as helping at home or being kind to a sibling. Have them write a short word or two at the bottom, then hang the drawings where everyone can see them. Remind children that God helps us keep our promises.
Quiet Listening Game
You will need a timer or a clock with a second hand. Tell children that they will try to be quiet for one minute and listen to every sound in the room. Start the timer and let them listen. When time is up, ask what sounds they heard, then talk about how listening carefully helps us hear God and others better.
Thankful Gift Jar
You will need a clean jar, paper strips, and a pen. Each day for a week, have children write one good gift God has given them and drop it into the jar. Explain that these are the gifts from God that Solomon wrote about. At the end of the week, read the notes aloud together and thank God for each one.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Ecclesiastes 5 teaches that our words and promises matter to God, and that wealth alone cannot satisfy the human heart. The chapter invites us to approach God with humility, keep our commitments, and receive daily blessings with thankfulness. Solomon’s words remind us that the best life is one that receives God’s gifts gratefully and does not chase after more.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that God will reward every good deed with money or success. Solomon speaks of God’s gifts as enjoyment and contentment, not as a promise of wealth. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness, kindness, and our joy in Him.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we know You are in heaven and You hear every word we say. Help us to think before we speak and to keep the promises we make to You and to others. Thank You for the good gifts You give us each day, like food, rest, and friends. Help us to be happy with what You give and to trust You with everything else. Amen.
