Ecclesiastes 11
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Listen. There was once a wise man. His name was Solomon. He was very old. And very smart. Solomon wanted to tell something to the children. And to the grown-ups too.
Come, sit close. Solomon says: "Do you see the sun? How beautiful it shines! The light is sweet, like honey. Look at it. Enjoy it."
Solomon says more. "Do you see the farmer? He goes to the field. He throws little seeds in the ground. In the morning. And in the evening too. He does not know which seed will grow. But he sows anyway. Because God makes things grow."
Solomon says: "Do you see the clouds? They are full of rain. Plop, plop, plop. The rain falls on the ground. Only God knows when."
And then Solomon looks at the child. He smiles. He says: "Little one, be glad! You are young. The sun shines for you. Play. Laugh. Sing. God sees you. God is good."
What Does This Mean?
Solomon says something very important. Life is a gift. From who? From God!
The sun is a gift. The rain is a gift. Your little hands are a gift. Your laugh is a gift. Even the little seed in the ground is a gift.
We do not know everything. We do not know when it will rain. We do not know how a baby grows in mama's tummy. It is a secret. But God knows. God does it. And God is good.
The Common Thread
Look, this is the beautiful thing. God gives. God gives and gives and gives. He gives sun. He gives bread. He gives friends.
And later, God gave the very best gift. Do you know what? God gave Jesus. Jesus is the biggest gift. Bigger than the sun. Sweeter than honey.
Jesus says too: look at the flowers. Look at the birds. My Father takes care of you.
So when you see the sun tomorrow, you may think: God gave that. God loves me.
For You
You may be glad today. Really glad! God made you young. God made you small. That is good.
You may play outside. You may feel the sun on your cheeks. You may eat your bread. You may share your cookie with someone else. That is what Solomon says too: give a little piece away. It is fun to share.
And when you do not understand something? That is okay. God knows. God takes care of you. Every day.
Talk About It
What is your favorite thing that God made? The sun, a flower, or something else?
With whom would you like to share your cookie or your toy today?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank You for the sun. Thank You for the rain. Thank You for me. I am so glad You made me. Help me to share. Help me to laugh. Thank You for Jesus.
Amen.
Questions about Ecclesiastes 11
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Ecclesiastes 11 about?
What does Ecclesiastes 11 say?
What does Ecclesiastes 11 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Ecclesiastes 11?
Why is Ecclesiastes 11 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Rejoice, young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you." That is a command, not a concession. God tells you to enjoy your life. Then, in the same breath, "know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment." Joy and accountability are not enemies here. Live fully, and live watched. Does your gladness look different when you remember who is looking?
Truly the light is sweet, and it is a pleasant thing for the eyes to see the sun." The Preacher says this right before reminding us the dark days will be many. He isn't naive. He knows. And still he tells you to step outside and let the morning hit your face. When did you last notice the light without hurrying past it?
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
Open in the Children's Bible tool
Philippines
Nigeria
Zimbabwe
India
Zambia
South Africa
Malawi
Kenya
Indonesia
DR Congo
Ghana
Nepal
Cameroon
Mozambique
Benin
