Do not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. After all, God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few. Do not be quick to speakThis phrase emphasizes the importance of restraint in communication, especially in the presence of God. The Hebrew root for "quick" (חָפַז, chaphaz) suggests a sense of haste or rashness. In the ancient Near Eastern context, speech was considered a powerful tool, and the wise were those who measured their words carefully. This aligns with the broader biblical wisdom literature, such as Proverbs, which often advises against hasty speech. The conservative Christian perspective values this restraint as a reflection of humility and reverence before God. do not let your heart be hasty The "heart" in Hebrew thought (לֵב, lev) is the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. To be "hasty" (בהל, bahal) implies acting with undue speed or without due consideration. This admonition warns against impulsive emotional responses, particularly in spiritual matters. Historically, the heart was seen as the seat of decision-making, and this guidance encourages believers to align their inner thoughts with God's will, fostering a disciplined spiritual life. to utter a word before God The act of speaking "before God" underscores the sacredness of communication with the Divine. In the ancient world, words spoken in the presence of a deity were considered binding and significant. This phrase reminds believers of the gravity and sanctity of prayer and vows. From a conservative Christian viewpoint, it calls for a deep respect for God's holiness and an awareness of His omnipresence, urging believers to approach Him with sincerity and thoughtfulness. After all, God is in heaven This phrase establishes a fundamental theological truth about God's transcendence. "Heaven" (שָׁמַיִם, shamayim) represents the divine realm, emphasizing God's sovereignty and majesty. The historical context of this statement reflects the ancient understanding of a hierarchical cosmos, with God reigning supreme above all. For conservative Christians, this serves as a reminder of God's ultimate authority and the proper posture of humility and reverence that believers should maintain. and you are on earth This contrast between God's heavenly position and humanity's earthly existence highlights human limitations. "Earth" (אֶרֶץ, erets) signifies the temporal and finite nature of human life. This acknowledgment of human frailty and God's greatness is a recurring theme in Scripture, encouraging believers to recognize their dependence on God. From a conservative perspective, it reinforces the call to live with humility, acknowledging our need for divine guidance and grace. So let your words be few The conclusion of the verse advises brevity in speech, particularly in spiritual contexts. This echoes the wisdom tradition's valuation of silence and thoughtful speech. The Hebrew concept here is not merely about speaking less but about speaking with purpose and intention. For conservative Christians, this is an exhortation to prioritize quality over quantity in communication with God, fostering a prayer life that is sincere, focused, and respectful of God's holiness. Persons / Places / Events 1. Solomon- Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom. His reflections in Ecclesiastes often focus on the meaning of life and the proper attitude toward God. 2. God- The central figure in this verse, God is depicted as being in heaven, emphasizing His sovereignty and the need for reverence in communication with Him. 3. Heaven and Earth- These locations symbolize the vast difference between God's divine nature and human limitations, underscoring the need for humility in our approach to God. Teaching Points Reverence in CommunicationRecognize the holiness and majesty of God when approaching Him in prayer. Our words should reflect a deep respect for His divine nature. The Value of SilenceEmbrace the discipline of silence and reflection. In a world filled with noise, taking time to listen to God can lead to greater spiritual insight and growth. Mindful SpeechPractice mindfulness in your speech, especially in prayer. Consider the weight and intention behind your words, ensuring they align with God's will. Humility Before GodAcknowledge your position as a finite being before an infinite God. This humility should guide your interactions with Him, fostering a spirit of submission and trust. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding the difference between God's position in heaven and our position on earth influence the way we pray? 2. In what ways can we practice being "slow to speak" in our daily lives, both in prayer and in interactions with others? 3. How does the concept of letting our words be few challenge the way we approach God in prayer today? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to cultivate a heart of humility before God? 5. How can the teachings of Ecclesiastes 5:2 be applied to improve our communication within the church community? Connections to Other Scriptures James 1:19- This verse advises believers to be quick to listen and slow to speak, echoing the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 5:2 about the importance of thoughtful speech. Matthew 6:7-8- Jesus teaches about prayer, warning against the use of many words, which aligns with the counsel in Ecclesiastes to let our words be few before God. Proverbs 10:19- This proverb highlights the wisdom of restraining one's words, reinforcing the idea that excessive speech can lead to sin. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Anything, Bring, Cause, Hasten, Hasty, Heart, Heaven, Heavens, Impulsive, Matter, Mouth, Presence, Quick, Rash, Unwise, UtterDictionary of Bible Themes Ecclesiastes 5:2 5537 sleeplessness 5549 speech, positive 5803 carelessness 5883 impatience 5925 rashness 8339 self-control 9411 heaven Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 5036 mind, of God 8470 respect, for God Ecclesiastes 5:1-3 8620 prayer, practicalities Ecclesiastes 5:1-4 8757 folly, effects of Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 5468 promises, human Ecclesiastes 5:2-3 5547 speech, power of 5868 gossip Library Naked or Clothed? 'As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.'--ECCLES. v. 15. '... Their works do follow them.'--REV. xiv. 13. It is to be observed that these two sharply contrasted texts do not refer to the same persons. The former is spoken of a rich worldling, the latter of 'the dead who die in the Lord.' The unrelieved gloom of the one is as a dark background against which the triumphant assurance of … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureLessons for Worship and for Work 'Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. 2. Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth; therefore let thy words be few. 3. For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words. 4. When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for He hath … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Things to be Meditated on as Thou Goest to the Church. 1. That thou art going to the court of the Lord, and to speak with the great God by prayer; and to hear his majesty speak unto thee by his word; and to receive his blessing on thy soul, and thy honest labour, in the six days past. 2. Say with thyself by the way--"As the hart brayeth for the rivers of water, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, even for the living God: When shall I come and appear before the presence of God? For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand … Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Literature. i. editions of chrysostom's works. S. Joannis Chrysostomi, archiepiscopi Constantinopolitani, Opera omnia quæ exstant vel quæ ejus nomine circumferuntur, ad mss. codices Gallicos, Vaticanos, Anglicos, Germanicosque castigata, etc. Opera et studio D.Bernardi de Montfaucon, monachi ordinis S. Benedicti e congregatione S. Mauri, opem ferentibus aliis ex codem sodalitio, monachis. Greek and Latin, Paris, 1718-'38, in 13 vols., fol. This is the best edition, and the result of about twenty … St. Chrysostom—On the Priesthood Ninth Day for God's Spirit on Our Mission Work WHAT TO PRAY.--For God's Spirit on our Mission Work "The evangelisation of the world depends first of all upon a revival of prayer. Deeper than the need for men--ay, deep down at the bottom of our spiritless life, is the need for the forgotten secret of prevailing, world-wide prayer." "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul. Then when they had fasted and prayed, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed."--ACTS … Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession Thoughts Upon Worldly-Riches. Sect. Ii. TIMOTHY after his Conversion to the Christian Faith, being found to be a Man of great Parts, Learning, and Piety, and so every way qualified for the work of the Ministry, St. Paul who had planted a Church at Ephesus the Metropolis or chief City of all Asia, left him to dress and propagate it, after his departure from it, giving him Power to ordain Elders or Priests, and to visit and exercise Jurisdiction over them, to see they did not teach false Doctrines, 1 Tim. i. 3. That they be unblameable in … William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life There is a Blessedness in Reversion Blessed are the poor in spirit. Matthew 5:3 Having done with the occasion, I come now to the sermon itself. Blessed are the poor in spirit'. Christ does not begin his Sermon on the Mount as the Law was delivered on the mount, with commands and threatenings, the trumpet sounding, the fire flaming, the earth quaking, and the hearts of the Israelites too for fear; but our Saviour (whose lips dropped as the honeycomb') begins with promises and blessings. So sweet and ravishing was the doctrine of this … Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 How to be Admonished are those who Give Away what is their Own, and those who Seize what Belongs to Others. (Admonition 21.) Differently to be admonished are those who already give compassionately of their own, and those who still would fain seize even what belongs to others. For those who already give compassionately of their own are to be admonished not to lift themselves up in swelling thought above those to whom they impart earthly things; not to esteem themselves better than others because they see others to be supported by them. For the Lord of an earthly household, in distributing the ranks and … Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Covenanting Confers Obligation. As it has been shown that all duty, and that alone, ought to be vowed to God in covenant, it is manifest that what is lawfully engaged to in swearing by the name of God is enjoined in the moral law, and, because of the authority of that law, ought to be performed as a duty. But it is now to be proved that what is promised to God by vow or oath, ought to be performed also because of the act of Covenanting. The performance of that exercise is commanded, and the same law which enjoins that the duties … John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Ecclesiastes It is not surprising that the book of Ecclesiastes had a struggle to maintain its place in the canon, and it was probably only its reputed Solomonic authorship and the last two verses of the book that permanently secured its position at the synod of Jamnia in 90 A.D. The Jewish scholars of the first century A.D. were struck by the manner in which it contradicted itself: e.g., "I praised the dead more than the living," iv. 2, "A living dog is better than a dead lion," ix. 4; but they were still more … John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Ecclesiastes 5:2 NIVEcclesiastes 5:2 NLTEcclesiastes 5:2 ESVEcclesiastes 5:2 NASBEcclesiastes 5:2 KJV
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