True and Few

Eccl 5:1-2 “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” NKJV

This instruction is enormously practical to all who desire to draw near to God. While the direct context of this scripture deals with the making of vows unto God, we have shown to us an instruction, as well as two cautions that I believe have application for us today.

“Draw near to hear”

While we are not to look at our worship like a buffet, (seeking only to be fed) we are to assemble with a great desire to hear from God. Bob Russel wrote about Southeast Christian Church and indicated that when people gathered for worship, there was an expectation of encountering God. This can only happen when worshipers gather to offer what they have, and are eager to receive what God has for them.

“Do not be rash with your mouth”

Rashness of mouth in this sense is speaking beyond what you intend to do or are capable of following through with. We are very quick to say “I'll pray for you” or “You will be in my thoughts”. We often assure others saying “let me know if you need anything”. We offer because as Christians, these are things that we are supposed to do. It is un-Christlike to verbally assure what we will not, or do not physically do.

“Let not your heart utter anything hastily”

There is an inexorable connection between the words we speak and the hearts we have. (Luke 6:45, Matt 12:36) Yet (especially in the covenant of Grace) the heart can sin without word or deed. (Matt 5:21-28) Here is where Grace exceeds in the expectations placed upon those who enter in. It is not like the Law; a line in the sand to avoid crossing, but it is the intent and thought of the heart that we are accountable for. In Christ, we must not only DO well, we must also MEAN well. Furthermore, we must not only do and mean well, we must do and mean well in submission to God!

The practical advice of Solomon to help us in this area: Let your heart be True and your words be few.

In Faith Unfeigned