Stand in Awe of God — Ecclesiastes 5:1-2, 4-7
Solomon warns us to listen more than we speak when we come to God.
Ecclesiastes 5:1–2 (NIV84): “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.
Do not be quick with your mouth,
do not be hasty in your heart
to utter anything before God.
God is in heaven
and you are on earth,
so let your words be few. “
God’s view is far greater than our view. He sees more than we ever could. His vantage point not only stretches to every possibility but has the wisdom of all time: past, present, and future.
He has all wisdom and He has all power.
He is worthy of all praise, all glory, and all honor.
So why do we come to negotiate with God with our vows and our promises? We better do what we say!
Ecclesiastes 5:4–7 (NIV84): “When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, ‘My vow was a mistake.’ Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God.”
What does God have for us? What is He trying to tell us? Where is He sending us? Who are we to love and care for? Whose plans cannot be thwarted? Who alone can forgive sin and cleanse us? Who has the interest of those around us above all we can imagine? And who loves us more than we could ever know?
So let us stand in awe of God.
