Do Not Be Rash With Your Mouth

Did you know the second Friday of every January is commonly called “Quitters Day”? Why? Research shows that most people have abandoned their New Year Resolutions by that Friday. Hence – “Quitters Day.” The name emphasizes the challenges people face in maintaining motivation and commitment to their resolutions, particularly as the initial excitement wanes. There are all kinds of research into goals and resolutions and why people struggle with them. But, I want to focus this month on one of the core problems – hasty or rash talking. We make goals or resolutions flippantly without really thinking about that it will mean to keep and meet them. We do this with health/fitness, money, relationships, reading, and even with God.

If you’re anything like me, you set spiritual goals for the year—perhaps to pray more, read through the entire Bible, or make daily Bible reading a habit. Sometimes, I’ve done really well with those goals, while other times, I’ve struggled to stay consistent and achieve them. This month we will be thinking about what it means to make a spiritual commitment to God and how God views the promises we make to Him.

To begin our study, let’s go to Ecclesiastes and think about what Solomon teaches us about how we speak to God.

Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore, let your words be few. For a dream comes with much business, and a fool’s voice with many words. – Eccl. 5: 1-3

Solomon teaches us that when we approach God in prayer, we should not be rash or hasty with our words. Why? Because God is in heaven—signifying His sovereignty and supreme authority—and we are on earth, reminding us of our mortality and limitations. So because of this reality – our words to God should be few and carefully chosen. Solomon concludes it is the fool who uses many words.

As we settle into the New Year and focus on our spiritual goals, remember not to make commitments without carefully considering what they mean. Don’t be hasty with your words when you speak to God about your goals.

Don’t say something you don’t mean or commit to something you don’t intend to follow through on, especially when it comes to God. Instead, keep your words few and sincere, and mean what you say, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. #KeepYourWord