Few Words, Strong Heart

Few Words, Strong  Heart…

The book of Ecclesiastes, often attributed to “the Teacher” or “the Preacher,” is a profound exploration of life’s meaning, its fleeting nature, and our place within it.

Amidst its often somber reflections, we find moments of striking wisdom, none more potent than the caution issued in Ecclesiastes 5:2: “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.”

In a world that often values verbosity and instant pronouncements, this verse calls us to a radical pause. It’s a divine invitation to cultivate a spirit of reverence and thoughtful consideration, especially in our communication with the Almighty. The “haste” mentioned isn’t merely about speaking rapidly, but about an unexamined heart, a lack of intentionality, or perhaps even a flippant attitude towards the sacred.

The reason given for this restraint is profound: “God is in heaven and you are on earth.” This isn’t meant to diminish our worth, but to establish a crucial perspective. It highlights the vast, infinite chasm between the Creator and the created, the holy and the human.

When we grasp this distinction, our approach to God shifts from casual familiarity to profound awe. Our words, then, become not a flood, but a carefully chosen stream, each one carrying the weight of our deepest devotion.

This verse isn’t suggesting that we should never speak to God, but rather that the quality of our communication matters more than the quantity. It’s an encouragement to listen more than we speak, to reflect deeply before we utter a single syllable, and to ensure that our hearts are aligned with our lips.

When our words are few, they are more likely to be weighty, sincere, and truly reflective of our spirit.

Consider the parallel wisdom found in Proverbs 17:28: “Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.” While this verse speaks generally to human interaction, its principle resonates with Ecclesiastes 5:2.

There is a wisdom, a profundity, in silence and measured speech, particularly when in the presence of the Divine. Our silence before God can often be a more eloquent prayer than a torrent of unconsidered words, demonstrating trust, humility, and a readiness to receive.

Gracious God, We come before You, acknowledging Your supreme majesty and our humble place on earth. Forgive us for our hasty words, our unexamined prayers, and our tendency to rush into Your presence without true reverence. Teach us, O Lord, the beauty of silence and the power of thoughtful communion. Slow our hearts, quicken our spirits to listen, and let our words be few but filled with truth, humility, and genuine adoration. May our lives be a testament to Your greatness, and our every utterance, whether spoken or silent, bring glory to Your name. Amen.

The quieter you become, the more you can hear.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love alway,

Ed 🙏🏼