This lesson teaches children that God wants us to be generous and trust Him even when we cannot see how things will turn out. It is written for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
We can share what we have and trust God with what we cannot understand. God takes care of things we cannot see, and He is good even when we do not know what will happen next.
Memory Verse
Ecclesiastes 11:1
Cast your bread on the waters; for you shall find it after many days.
(WEB)
Ask children to cup both hands and gently lift them, like holding a seed. Then have them slowly open their hands and wave them outward, like scattering seeds across a garden. Repeat the motion while saying the verse together.
The Story: Ecclesiastes 11 for Kids
Long ago, a wise teacher wrote down some ideas about how to live well. He knew that life is full of surprises. Some days are bright and some days are dark, and nobody can predict everything that will happen. So he gave his readers some helpful advice to think about.
He told people to be generous, even when it felt risky. He said to share food and gifts with many people, because no one knows what trouble might come tomorrow. He compared this to planting seeds. A farmer scatters seed on the ground, not knowing for sure which seeds will grow best. He trusts that the earth and the rain will do their work.
The teacher also talked about the weather and the wind. He pointed out that clouds full of rain pour down, and no one can tell exactly where the wind is going. People cannot control these things. He said that in the same way, we cannot fully understand everything God does. We just have to keep working faithfully and trust Him.
He gave a simple message to young people. He said, “Enjoy your youth, but remember that God sees everything you do.” He wanted them to be joyful and kind, while also living in a way that pleases God. He encouraged them to let go of worry and to do what is right, because their youth is a gift that passes quickly.
So the lesson is this: be generous, work hard, enjoy the good things God gives, and trust Him with the rest. The teacher’s words remind us that we do not have to know everything to know that God is faithful.
Read It Together
Ecclesiastes 11:2
Give a portion to seven, yes, even to eight; for you don’t know what evil will be on the earth.
(WEB)
Point out that the teacher encourages sharing with many people, not just a few. Ask children who they could share with this week, at home, at school, or in their neighborhood, even if they only have a little to give.
Ecclesiastes 11:5
As you don’t know what is the way of the wind, nor how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child; even so you don’t know the work of God who does all.
(WEB)
Show children that some things about God are hard to understand, like how a baby grows before it is born. Explain that it is okay not to know everything, because God knows and cares for all of it.
Ecclesiastes 11:7-8
7 Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to see the sun. 8 Yes, if a man lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember the days of darkness, for they shall be many. All that comes is vanity.
(WEB)
Point out the joy of seeing sunlight and living many days. Talk about how God gives us good things to enjoy, and how we can thank Him for light, sunshine, and the gift of life.
Talk About It
- What is one thing you could share with someone this week, even if it feels small?
- Why do you think it can be hard to trust God when we do not know what will happen tomorrow?
- What is one good thing God gives us that you enjoy every day?
- How do you think a farmer feels when he plants seeds and waits to see them grow?
- What can you do to show God that you trust Him with things you cannot understand?
Activity Ideas
Seed Picture Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, glue, and a handful of dry beans or birdseed. Have each child draw a large brown patch of soil on their paper. Let them glue a few beans or seeds onto the soil, then draw green sprouts and a yellow sun above them. Explain that God takes care of the seeds we plant.
Scatter and Grow Game
Give each child a few paper scraps or pieces of tissue to act as seeds. Call out a movement, such as “scatter,” “wait,” or “sprout.” When children hear “scatter,” they toss their seeds in the air. When they hear “wait,” they crouch down quietly. When they hear “sprout,” they slowly stand up with their arms raised.
Generosity Jar at Home
Find an empty jar and decorate it with stickers or paper. Place it somewhere the family can see. Each week, have children add a small coin or a note about someone they helped or shared with. At the end of the month, talk together about how God works through simple acts of kindness.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter speaks honestly about the uncertainty of life. The teacher does not promise that every good deed will succeed or that we will always understand God’s ways. Instead, he invites us to live generously, work faithfully, and enjoy God’s gifts while trusting Him with the outcomes. The call is to faithful action, not to controlling the results.
Avoid telling children that generosity guarantees rewards or that doing good will always make life easy. Children may then feel confused or let down when difficulties come. Instead, emphasize that God is faithful and good, and that we can trust Him even when life is unpredictable.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for the seeds we can plant and the good things You give us. Help us to share with others and to trust You when we do not understand. Thank You for taking care of us every day. Amen.
