5th Grade Bible & Scripture — Wisdom Literature — Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes
Students will explore the book of Ecclesiastes and learn that true meaning and purpose are found only in God.
Ecclesiastes was written by 'the Teacher,' traditionally believed to be King Solomon in his later years. Solomon had experienced everything the world had to offer — wealth, power, pleasure, and fame — and he concluded that without God, it is all 'meaningless' or 'vanity.'
Solomon tried to find happiness in many things: knowledge, entertainment, great building projects, and riches. But none of it brought lasting satisfaction. He wrote, 'Whoever loves money never has enough' (Ecclesiastes 5:10). Things of this world cannot fill the emptiness in our hearts.
One of the most beautiful passages in Ecclesiastes is chapter 3:1-8, which says there is 'a time for everything': a time to be born and a time to die, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. God has a purpose for every season of life.
The book ends with the most important conclusion: 'Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.' After searching the whole world for meaning, Solomon found that the only thing that truly matters is knowing, loving, and obeying God.
Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 together. Make a two-column journal entry: on one side, list the different 'times' mentioned. On the other side, write about a time in your own life that fits each one. Then write a paragraph about what gives YOUR life meaning and purpose.