Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

Let my words be few

Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few. ~ Ecclesiastes 5:2

Sometimes it’s hard to remember the power of silence, but I try to be a person of few words, except when it comes to sharing the amazing things the Lord has done in my life. Even then, I don’t want to be someone who dumps it on, without thought, or pours out words that are not asked for, sometime I just say too much.

Ecclesiastes 5 reminds us to approach God with reverence, especially in our words. Too often, we speak hastily, whether in prayer, in promises, or in everyday conversations, without truly considering the weight of what we say. The writer of Ecclesiastes warns against making careless vows to God, reminding us that He takes our words seriously.

In today’s world, where social media, instant messaging, and constant communication encourage us to share every thought, this passage is a call to wisdom. Before speaking, we should ask ourselves: Is what I’m about to say honoring to God? Is it necessary? Is it spoken with humility and truth? Our words carry weight, and once spoken, they cannot be taken back.  It is wise to consider thoroughly before you post or if you need to post at all.

Below are some practical things to consider to keep from offering too much information:

1. Pause Before You Speak – Take a moment to think before responding in conversations, especially in moments of frustration or excitement. Ask yourself if your words are necessary and edifying.
2. Be Mindful in Prayer – Approach God with reverence. Rather than rushing through prayer with empty words, be intentional and let your heart be still before Him.
3. Keep Your Promises – If you commit to something, follow through. Be careful not to make commitments you cannot keep, especially before God.
4. Use Fewer Words with More Meaning – Instead of filling silence with unnecessary chatter, choose words that bring encouragement, wisdom, and truth.

Here are some ways you can begin to work on this today:

• Begin by asking God for wisdom in your speech.
• Pray for a heart that listens before it speaks and for the discipline to use words wisely.
• Read through Proverbs and Ecclesiastes for more insights on the power of speech.
• Practice being more intentional in your conversations.

Today I want to encourage you to remember remember that God values our words and calls us to use them carefully. Ecclesiastes 5:2 reminds us of the importance of speaking with thoughtfulness and reverence, especially before God. In a world where words are often thrown around carelessly, choosing to speak with wisdom, restraint, and sincerity sets us apart. Let’s strive to be people whose words are few but filled with meaning and honoring God and bringing life to those around us.

Today’s scripture reading: Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

1 Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil.

2 Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few.

3 For a dream comes through much activity, and a fool’s voice is known by his many words.

4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; For He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed—

5 Better not to vow than to vow and not pay.

6 Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, nor say before the messenger of God that it was an error. Why should God be angry at your excuse and destroy the work of your hands?

7 For in the multitude of dreams and many words there is also vanity. But fear God.