For children ages 3 to 6

Ecclesiastes 12

Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)

2 min read · Updated August 8, 2026
By Jasper & Review team
Bible
By Jasper & Review team

The Explanation

Long, long ago there lived a wise man. His name was Solomon. Solomon was old. His hair was grey. He walked slowly, with a little stick.

Solomon wanted to tell the children something. Something important. So he sat down. And he said: "Listen. Listen well."

"When you are little, God is close by. When you are big, God is close by too. But do not wait too long! Think of God now. Now that you are still young."

Solomon looked outside. He saw the sun. He saw the moon. He saw the little stars. "One day," he said, "the sun will not shine for me anymore. My eyes are getting tired."

"My hands shake a little. My teeth are almost all gone. I cannot hear the birds sing very well anymore. I am getting old."

"But God," said Solomon, "God made me. God knows me. God has always been there. When I was little. When I was big. And now that I am old."

Then Solomon smiled. "Children," he said softly, "God is good. Remember that. Always."

What Does This Mean?

Solomon says: God is there. God is there when you are small. When your hands are still tiny. When your legs are still short.

God does not just belong to grown-ups. God does not just belong to grandpa and grandma. God belongs to you too. Right now. Today.

You do not have to wait. You may know God now.

The Common Thread

Solomon knew: God is good. But Solomon did not yet know about Jesus.

Later, much later, Jesus came. Jesus said: "Let the children come to me!" The children ran to Him. Jesus put his hand on their heads. He hugged them.

Jesus loves little children. He loves you too. You may come to Jesus. Right now. Just as you are.

For You

Do you know what is beautiful? You can talk to God every day. When you wake up, you may say: "Good morning, God." When you go to sleep, you may say: "Good night, God."

You may tell God everything. About your teddy bear. About your bike. About your mommy. About what makes you sad. About what makes you happy.

God listens. Always. God is not too busy for you.

And you do not have to be big first. You are just right. Just the way you are.

Talk About It

What do you want to tell God today? Something happy or something sad?

Grandpa and grandma are old. What do you think is nice about them?

Praying Together

Dear God,

Thank You that You are there. When I am little. And when I get big.

Thank You that I can talk to You. You always listen.

I love You, God.

Amen.

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Questions about Ecclesiastes 12

Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.

What is Ecclesiastes 12 about?
Long, long ago there lived a wise man. His name was Solomon. Solomon was old. His hair was grey. He walked slowly, with a little stick.
What does Ecclesiastes 12 say?
"When you are little, God is close by. When you are big, God is close by too. But do not wait too long! Think of God now. Now that you are still young."
What does Ecclesiastes 12 teach us about God?
"My hands shake a little. My teeth are almost all gone. I cannot hear the birds sing very well anymore. I am getting old."
What can toddlers learn from Ecclesiastes 12?
Solomon says: God is there. God is there when you are small. When your hands are still tiny. When your legs are still short.
Why is Ecclesiastes 12 an important Bible story?
Later, much later, Jesus came. Jesus said: "Let the children come to me!" The children ran to Him. Jesus put his hand on their heads. He hugged them.

What others discovered

Insight Editorial on verse 9

He had already said everything under the sun was vapor. And still, "he pondered, sought out, and set in order many proverbs." Not one flash of insight, but slow, patient work for people who might never thank him. Some days faith looks like that. You've seen how fleeting it all is, and you sit down and do the good work anyway.

— Faith.Network Editorial
Insight Editorial on verse 1

Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth." Strange word, remember. You only remember what you already know. He was there before your first breath, holding you together. And the warning is gentle: don't wait until your strength thins and pleasure fades to turn toward Him. Begin now, while begin is still possible.

— Faith.Network Editorial
Insight Editorial on verse 2

Before the sun, the light, the moon, and the stars are darkened, and the clouds return after the rain." The Preacher is describing old age, when even the bright things dim and one storm follows another with no clear sky between. Remember your Creator now, while the light still holds. Don't wait until strength fades to seek the One who gave it.

— Faith.Network Editorial
Insight Editorial on verse 8

Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher. All is vanity!" The book ends where it began, like a sigh you've heard before. But something has shifted. You've walked through pleasure, wisdom, work, aging, and now these words land differently. Not despair, but honesty. Everything you're clutching will slip. So hold God instead.

— Faith.Network Editorial

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

For parents and teachers: Written especially to be read aloud to children ages 3 to 6. Use it as a starting point for a conversation with your child, not as the only source. This explanation is generated automatically by language models. While we strive for theological soundness, the software can make mistakes.

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