Ezekiel 33:31

So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain.

Study Bible

So My people come to you
This phrase indicates a habitual action, suggesting that the people of Israel regularly approached the prophet Ezekiel. The Hebrew root for "come" (בּוֹא, bo) implies movement towards a destination or person, often with the intent to listen or receive. Historically, prophets were central figures in Israelite society, serving as conduits for God's messages. This regular coming signifies a recognition of Ezekiel's role as a prophet, yet it also sets the stage for the critique that follows.

as they usually do
The phrase underscores the routine nature of the people's actions. It suggests a pattern of behavior that has become customary, perhaps even ritualistic. This routine can be seen as a reflection of the people's superficial engagement with the prophetic message. The historical context reveals that during Ezekiel's time, many Israelites were in exile, and their religious practices had become more about form than substance.

and sit before you
"Sitting" before a prophet was a traditional posture of learning and respect, akin to a student before a teacher. The Hebrew word for "sit" (יָשַׁב, yashab) can also imply dwelling or remaining, indicating a physical presence that does not necessarily translate into spiritual or moral engagement. This act of sitting suggests an outward show of respect and attentiveness, yet it is contrasted with their lack of true obedience.

to hear your words
Hearing in the Hebrew context (שָׁמַע, shama) goes beyond mere auditory reception; it implies understanding and obedience. The people come to hear Ezekiel's words, which are ultimately God's words, yet the subsequent verses reveal a disconnect between hearing and doing. This highlights a common biblical theme where hearing is meant to lead to action, as seen in James 1:22, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."

but they do not put them into practice
This phrase is a direct indictment of the people's hypocrisy. The Hebrew concept of "practice" (עָשָׂה, asah) involves action, execution, and obedience. The failure to act on God's words is a recurring issue in the prophetic literature, where the people often hear but fail to respond appropriately. This lack of practice is a spiritual malaise that reflects a deeper heart issue, as obedience is a key tenet of faith in the biblical narrative.

With their mouths they express devotion
The expression of devotion with the mouth alone is a superficial act, lacking the sincerity of true worship. The Hebrew word for "devotion" (אַהֲבָה, ahavah) often denotes love or affection, which in this context is feigned. This mirrors the critique found in Isaiah 29:13, where God laments that the people honor Him with their lips while their hearts are far from Him. It is a call to genuine worship that engages both heart and action.

but their hearts pursue dishonest gain
The heart (לֵב, lev) in Hebrew thought is the center of will, emotion, and intellect. The pursuit of "dishonest gain" (בֶּצַע, betsa) indicates a moral and ethical failing, where personal profit is prioritized over righteousness. This pursuit is a form of idolatry, placing material wealth above God's commands. Historically, this reflects the socio-economic injustices prevalent in Israel, where leaders and people alike often exploited others for personal gain, contrary to the covenantal laws of justice and mercy.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God, called to be a watchman for the house of Israel, delivering God's messages to the people.

2. The People of Israel
The audience of Ezekiel's prophecies, often characterized by their disobedience and hard-heartedness.

3. God
The ultimate speaker through Ezekiel, expressing His disappointment with the people's insincere worship.

4. The House of Israel
Refers to the collective nation of Israel, often used to denote their covenant relationship with God.

5. The Watchman
A metaphor for Ezekiel's role, emphasizing his responsibility to warn the people of impending judgment.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Lip Service
It's easy to profess faith with our mouths while our hearts are far from God. True faith requires aligning our actions with our words.

The Role of the Heart
God desires genuine devotion. Our hearts should be fully committed to Him, not divided by personal gain or selfish desires.

The Importance of Obedience
Hearing God's word is not enough; we must also put it into practice. Obedience is a key indicator of genuine faith.

Self-Examination
Regularly examine your heart and motives. Are you pursuing God's will or your own interests?

The Watchman's Responsibility
Like Ezekiel, we are called to be watchmen, sharing God's truth with others and living it out in our own lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. In what ways might we be guilty of offering God lip service in our own lives today?

2. How can we ensure that our hearts are aligned with our words when it comes to our faith?

3. What practical steps can we take to be doers of the word and not just hearers?

4. How does the role of a watchman, as seen in Ezekiel, apply to our responsibilities as Christians today?

5. Reflect on a time when you pursued personal gain over God's will. What did you learn from that experience, and how can you apply it to your walk with God now?

Connections to Other Scriptures

James 1:22-25
This passage emphasizes the importance of being doers of the word, not just hearers, which parallels the message in Ezekiel 33:31 about the people's failure to act on God's words.

Matthew 15:8-9
Jesus quotes Isaiah, highlighting the issue of honoring God with lips while hearts are far from Him, similar to the critique in Ezekiel.

Isaiah 29:13
This verse also addresses the problem of insincere worship, where people draw near with their mouths but their hearts are distant.

Jeremiah 7:9-11
Jeremiah speaks against the false security of those who trust in the temple while living in disobedience, akin to the false assurance of the Israelites in Ezekiel's time.

Hebrews 4:12
The Word of God is described as living and active, discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart, relevant to the issue of heart sincerity in Ezekiel 33:31.