Go Near To Listen

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.

A dream comes when there are many cares, and many words mark the speech of a fool.

When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to make a vow than to make one 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 fear God.

Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

The Teacher who wrote the book of Ecclesiastes embodies a humble spirt as he reflected his love. He did not address how to handle an angry person, and he said when we approach the Lord we should guard our steps and “go near to listen” rather than being quick with our mouths and hasty in our hearts. By doing so we acknowledge God is the Lord and we are those whom He has created.

How do you approach God? If you sense that your attitude could use some adjustment, spend some time considering the majesty and greatness of the Lord. When we ponder His unending wisdom, power, and presence, we can feel awed by His overflowing love for us. With this posture of humility, we do not have to have the last word.

Carefully chosen words honor God.

Our Daily Bread – January 27, 2018