Read Ecclesiastes 5:1-7
The language barrier I have with the Mexican girls at the orphanage is sometimes laughable. But one day when I was about on my last nerve because the girls were overly restless and distracted during Bible class, I asked them to imagine Jesus had just entered the room to watch our class. How would they behave then? It was amazing to watch them sit up straight, be quiet, and all the while look around to see if Jesus was actually there.
They approached Jesus, even the thought of him, with respect. It was a delight for me to see. There is no language gap when it comes to loving Jesus and seeking to please him. Solomon now tells us that how we approach God matters.
It’s nice to see Solomon show reverence to God since we know that his lifestyle was openly worshipping all kinds of gods. God wants to be our #1. For Solomon, he was just another God, yet in this reading Solomon acknowledges God as if God was his one and only. Chapter 5 is a turning point from vanity in life to reverence for God.
Did any of Solomon’s “commands” surprise you? For me, it was how boldly Solomon declared these things, almost as if he was establishing behavior precedents. Clearly, Solomon was concerned with our mouths, how we say things, or let things slip out that we shouldn’t. Our mouths can actually get us into trouble if we’re not careful. Who knew when we were little and pushing the limits that this was a Biblical example!
The main point of Solomon’s wisdom here is to respect God. If we do that right, we will yearn to pay attention to God. We won’t ramble on, get distracted, or make empty promises. Verse 7 sums it up when Solomon says, “Talk is cheap, like daydreams and other useless activities. Fear God instead.”
Fearing God is to respect God’s authority and always trust him. Wishy washy faith is not going to satisfy us or God. If you’ve tried to go it alone in life without God by your side, then you know the difference God can make. If you’ve always been a God-fearer, then you can take my word that you want to remain in Christ.
Here’s a beautiful psalm to bring it all home.
“The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.” (Psalm 19:7-11)
How will you approach God differently after today’s readings?
Let’s pray. Father God, I am in awe of you and all that you have done and continue to do. Your laws and commands are perfect. Forgive me when I fall short. I try hard to be obedient, but I stumble. Thank you for picking me up and setting me back on course. I am so grateful that I can approach you and grow closer to my creator. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
