Ecclesiastes 1 · Grade 4
A Breath of Air
Read and Think
The book of Ecclesiastes begins: The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. The Preacher's theme is stated in verse 2: Vanity of vanities, all is vanity. The Hebrew word means a breath or vapor. Like steam from a cup, life on earth passes quickly.
The Preacher looks at creation. One generation goes, and another generation comes; but the earth remains forever. The sun also rises, and the sun goes down. The wind turns around continually. All the rivers run into the sea, yet the sea is not full. That which has been is that which shall be, … and there is no new thing under the sun.
The phrase under the sun means life seen only from earth. The Preacher says, I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom. Yet he says, I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and behold, all is vanity and a chasing after wind. He shows us that life without God cannot satisfy. The book ends by saying, Fear God, and keep his commandments (12:13).
Show What You Know
What is the Preacher's theme?
What is life on earth like?
What is not full?
What does under the sun mean?
What cannot satisfy?
Word Bank Fill-In
Use the word bank to fill in each blank.
- The book of Ecclesiastes begins: The words of the , the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
- Like steam from a cup, life on passes quickly.
- The also rises, and the sun goes down.
- All the run into the sea, yet the sea is not full.
- That which has been is that which shall be, … and there is no thing under the sun.
Think About It
The eye is not satisfied with seeing. What things do people chase that never fully satisfy?
The earth remains forever. How does God's creation remind you that He is faithful every day?
Memory Verse
“One generation goes, and another generation comes; but the earth remains forever.”
Ecclesiastes 1:4 (WEB)
Copy It
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for the earth that You made. Help me . Amen.
Take It Home
For families: talk about these together.
- How does life look different when we leave God out?
- What things in nature remind you that God is in charge?
Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.