This lesson teaches children that wise people trust God even when they don’t understand everything that happens. It is for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Children can learn it with a simple story, a memory verse, and a hands-on activity.
Big Idea
God is wise and in charge, even when we don’t understand what is happening. We can trust Him and try to do what is right.
Memory Verse
Ecclesiastes 8:5
Whoever keeps the commandment shall not come to harm, and his wise heart will know the time and procedure.
(WEB)
Ask the children to hold both hands up, palms facing each other, like a book they are opening. Then have them slowly bring their hands together and tap their fingertips twice to show a wise heart that waits and knows when to act. Say the verse together three times, doing the motion each time.
The Story: Ecclesiastes 8 for Kids
Long ago, a wise man named Solomon wrote a book to help people think about life. He said that a wise person has a bright, happy face because wisdom makes the heart calm and kind. He also taught that people should listen to the king and show respect, especially when they had promised to obey. Solomon knew that wise people don’t rush off or do bad things just because they feel like it.
Solomon noticed something sad in the world. Sometimes bad people did wrong things and got away with it for a long time. Sometimes good people had hard lives. He saw wicked people buried and forgotten, and he felt puzzled. He said, “This also is vanity,” which means it feels empty and makes no sense to us.
But Solomon did not stop trusting God. He said that it will be better for people who fear God and honor Him, even if their wait is long. He said that a person who does not fear God will not have a lasting, good life, like a shadow that quickly disappears. God sees everything, and He is always right.
Solomon also said that people are happiest when they enjoy the simple good gifts God gives, like eating, drinking, and working hard with joy. He said that these things go with us through the days God gives us.
At the end, Solomon admitted something honest. He worked hard to understand everything under the sun, and he could not figure it all out. Even the wisest person cannot fully understand God’s work. That is why we trust Him instead of trying to know everything ourselves.
Read It Together
Ecclesiastes 8:1
Who is like the wise man? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed.
(WEB)
Point out how wisdom makes a person’s face shine with a calm, kind look. Ask the children what it looks like when someone is wise and kind to others. Explain that wisdom shows on the outside because it comes from the inside.
Ecclesiastes 8:12-13
12 Though a sinner commits crimes a hundred times, and lives long, yet surely I know that it will be better with those who fear God, who are reverent before him. 13 But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he lengthen days like a shadow; because he doesn’t fear God.
(WEB)
Point out that God sees how people live, and it goes well for those who fear and respect Him. Help the children understand that fearing God means loving Him and trusting that He is good and fair. Remind them that God’s timing is always right, even when we have to wait.
Ecclesiastes 8:17
Then I saw all the work of God, that man can’t find out the work that is done under the sun, because however much a man labors to seek it out, yet he won’t find it. Yes even though a wise man thinks he can comprehend it, he won’t be able to find it.
(WEB)
Point out that Solomon was honest that he could not understand everything God does. Explain that it is okay not to know every answer, because God knows everything and we can trust Him. Encourage the children to ask questions when they wonder about something.
Talk About It
- What is one thing that makes you feel calm and happy when you are with someone wise and kind?
- Why do you think it is important to listen to people who are in charge and show them respect?
- Have you ever seen something happen that felt unfair? What did you do or say about it?
- How can you show that you trust God even when you are waiting for something good to happen?
- What is one good gift from God that you enjoy every day, and how can you thank Him for it?
Activity Ideas
Wise Face Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a mirror. Have each child look in the mirror and draw a face that shows a calm, wise, kind expression. Then ask them to write one word on the paper that describes wisdom, such as “calm” or “kind.” Hang the drawings on the wall as a reminder that wisdom shows on the inside and the outside.
Wait and Trust Game
You will need a timer or a clock and a small toy or snack. Hide the toy somewhere in the room and tell the children they must wait quietly for one minute before they start looking. Explain that waiting patiently is a way of trusting that the answer will come at the right time. When the minute is up, let them search together and celebrate when they find it.
Take-Home Thankful Jar
You will need a clean jar, paper slips, and a pen. Ask each child to write one good gift God has given them on a slip and place it in the jar. Encourage the family to add a new slip each day at dinner. This helps children see that God gives good things even when we are waiting or do not understand everything.
Teacher Notes
Ecclesiastes 8 shows that life can seem confusing, with the wicked sometimes appearing to prosper and the righteous sometimes suffering. Solomon does not pretend to have every answer. Instead, he points adults toward honoring God, trusting His justice, and enjoying the simple gifts He provides. The chapter teaches humble faith in a God whose wisdom exceeds human understanding.
With children, avoid suggesting that every hard situation is a punishment for sin or that faithful living guarantees an easy life. Solomon himself admits that some things remain a mystery. Instead, focus on God’s goodness, His wisdom, and the comfort of trusting Him even when we do not understand.
A Prayer to Close
Father, thank You that You are wise and You understand everything. Help us to trust You when we do not know the answers, and help us to wait patiently for Your good timing. Teach us to honor You and to be kind, just like a wise person. Thank You for all the good gifts You give us every day. Amen.
