Ecclesiastes Chapter 5: 1-3 (NIV)
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.
God knows our hearts and our thoughts before we speak. He doesn’t, therefore, need to be impressed by eloquent words or fancy speeches. We just need to be ourselves, and honest about what’s on our hearts. That takes the pressure off us, and that’s why anyone can come to God in prayer.
Similarly, He doesn’t need empty promises as a bargaining tool, so if we do make a promise, it should not be hasty, spur of the moment, rather it should be measured and considered. And when we make a promise, God will expect us to honour it. He always keeps His!
Dear Lord,
Thank You that a sincere, open and willing heart is worth more than fancy words or promises. Help me to keep my heart and my words sincere before You. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.