September 26, 2018
Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 The Message (MSG)
Over the past few weeks, we have been studying what God’s Word says about wisdom. We have been challenge about the words that pour forth from our mouths: what we say, how we say it, and to whom we say it. Communication is a huge gift from the Lord and our mouths have to come under the obedience of God just like every other part of our being in order to use our speech for the glory of God. Our words are indicative of the purity of our hearts and the depth our character. Jesus, the Living Word, has been made Wisdom for us and we live in him. Therefore, God’s wisdom should be reflected in and through our words; otherwise, we have engaged in foolish gabble.
In our wisdom literature reading this morning, we are reminded God is in charge of all things and he wants to be in charge of our entire being. He is true to his word. Scripture teaches the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Prov. 9:10). So, if we want a transformed mouth, the answer lies in the fear of the Lord (awe for his majesty, love for him as our Father, and respect for his authority to correct us).
Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 God’s in Charge, Not You
5
Watch your step when you enter God’s house.
Enter to learn. That’s far better than mindlessly offering a sacrifice,
Doing more harm than good.
2
Don’t shoot off your mouth, or speak before you think.
Don’t be too quick to tell God what you think he wants to hear.
God’s in charge, not you—the less you speak, the better.
3
Overwork makes for restless sleep.
Overtalk shows you up as a fool.
4-5
When you tell God you’ll do something, do it—now.
God takes no pleasure in foolish gabble. Vow it, then do it.
Far better not to vow in the first place than to vow and not pay up.
6
Don’t let your mouth make a total sinner of you.
When called to account, you won’t get by with
“Sorry, I didn’t mean it.”
Why risk provoking God to angry retaliation?
7
But against all illusion and fantasy and empty talk
There’s always this rock foundation: Fear God!
Prayer: Lord, help me to speak words of wisdom and be true to my commitments. In Jesus’ name. Amen.