Biblical Wisdom
Let Your Words Be Few
Ecclesiastes gives a reason for short prayers, and the reason is where each of us is standing.
Scripture Ecclesiastes 5:1–3
Ecclesiastes gives a reason for short prayers, and the reason is a matter of where everyone is standing. “For God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few.”
The verse before sets the scene at the door of the house of God. Guard your steps. Draw near to listen. The fool here is no scoffer. He shows up at worship with an offering, and the Teacher calls it “the sacrifice of fools,” adding that such people do not know they are doing wrong.
The verse after says what gives him away. The speech of a fool comes with many words.
This is uncomfortable reading for people who pray a great deal. What the Teacher warns against is haste: a mouth quick to speak, a heart in a hurry to utter something before God.
Heaven and earth are not the same height. Someone who remembers which one he is standing on will probably say less, and listen longer.
Scripture in English is from the Berean Standard Bible, placed in the public domain by its publisher on 30 April 2023.