In this lesson, children learn that it is wise to listen to God, to keep promises, and to be thankful for what God gives, even when we cannot hold on to everything. This lesson suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God is in heaven and we are on earth, so we should listen carefully, speak carefully, keep our promises, and thank God for the good things he gives us.
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)
Cup your hands together like a little bowl as you say the first words of the verse, then slowly bring your hands down to your lap as you say “God is in heaven.” Ask the children to copy your motions each time they say it.
The Story: Ecclesiastes 5 for Kids
Long ago, a wise teacher wrote down some important lessons about how to live well. He told the people that when they go to God’s house, they should slow down and listen. Listening to God is much better than rushing in with a lot of loud words that do not really mean anything.
The teacher also talked about promises. He said that when a person promises something to God, they should keep that promise and not wait too long to do it. He said it is better to make no promise at all than to make one and then forget it. God wants us to be people who keep our word.
Then the teacher looked around at the world and saw that some people were unfair. He saw that some people had a lot of money and wanted more and more. He said that money cannot make a person truly happy, because the more someone gets, the more they often want. He reminded everyone that money does not last forever.
The teacher pointed out something simple and true. He said that when a hard-working man goes to sleep at night, his sleep is sweet, whether he had a small meal or a big one. But a rich man may lie awake worrying about his money. He said that the rich man cannot take anything with him when he dies, just as he came into the world with nothing.
So the teacher gave a happy message at the end. He said it is good to eat, to drink, and to enjoy the work God gives us each day. He said these things are gifts from God, and we should thank him for them. When we are thankful, God fills our hearts with joy.
Read It Together
Ecclesiastes 5:1
Guard your steps when you go to God’s house; for to draw near to listen is better than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they don’t know that they do evil.
(WEB)
Point out the picture of walking carefully into God’s house. Ask the children what it might look like to “guard your steps,” and remind them that paying attention and being quiet helps us hear God.
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)
Show the children how a promise is like a seed that must be planted and watered. Explain that God takes our promises seriously, so we should think before we promise and then follow through.
Ecclesiastes 5:18
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.
(WEB)
Point out the word “good” and talk about the simple joys in a day, such as a meal, playing outside, or a job done well. Help the children name one good thing God has given them this week.
Talk About It
- What does it mean to listen carefully to God, and how can you listen to him at church or at home?
- Why do you think it is important to keep the promises you make, even small ones?
- What is one thing you could say or do to show that you are being careful with your words?
- Why do you think money cannot make a person truly happy all the time?
- What is one good gift from God that you enjoy every day, and how can you thank him for it?
Activity Ideas
Thankful Hands Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child trace one of their hands on the paper, then draw or write one good gift from God on each finger. Let them share their drawings and explain what they are thankful for.
Promise Keeper Game
Gather a few toys or small objects and have the children sit in a circle. Each child makes a simple promise, such as “I will tidy my shelf,” and then the group chants “Keep your promise!” while the child mimes the action. This helps children practice thinking before they speak and keeping their word.
Take-Home Listening Jar
You will need a clean jar and small slips of paper. Ask the family to write down one thing they heard God say through the Bible, church, or prayer each day, then drop the paper into the jar. At the end of the week, read the notes together and thank God for speaking to you.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter reminds us that God is holy and far above us, so we should approach him with humility, listening more than we talk. It also teaches that our words and promises matter to God, and that wealth cannot satisfy the human heart. Ultimately, the chapter invites us to receive daily gifts with gratitude as coming from God’s hand.
Avoid overstating to children that God will always give them the things they want or that being rich is always wrong. Keep the focus on listening, keeping promises, and being thankful, and let children see that God is the source of true joy.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, we thank you that you are in heaven and you hear us when we pray. Help us to listen carefully, to speak kindly, and to keep the promises we make. Thank you for every good gift you give us each day. Help us to enjoy them with a thankful heart. Amen.
