• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"Do not be rash with your mouth"

Text: Ecclesiastes 5:2

THE PROBLEM OF RASHNESS

One problem we face in life is unresponsiveness. There is another problem at the other end of the spectrum, “rashness”. This applies even in spiritual matters.

“Do not be rash with your mouth,
And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God.
For God is in heaven, and you on earth;
Therefore let your words be few.”
Ecclesiastes 5:2

1. “Do not be rash with your mouth”

a) What does it mean to be “rash with your mouth”?

b) The following things may be noted:

i) It may be speaking out of turn.

ii) It may be an impetuous response.

iii) It may be an exaggeration in words.

2. “And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God”

a) The words of our mouth are linked to our heart.

b) The heart is often associated with our emotions.

c) We can end up speaking more than we should because of how we feel.

d) We may speak too hastily before God.

3. The story of Jephthah and his vow comes to mind

a) Jephthah was one of the Judges of Israel.

b) He made a rash vow to God.

i) He promised to offer as a sacrifice to God whatever comes to meet him when he returned home after defeating the enemy.

ii) His daughter was the one who turned up to greet him.

iii) He was in a terrible fix because of his rashness (Judges 11:29-40).

4. “For God is in heaven, and you on earth; therefore let your words be few”

a) An important reminder as to whom we are worshipping.

i) We worship God in heaven.

ii) He is full of majesty and power.

b) Let us remember who we are, in direct contrast.

i) We are but earth-bound creatures.

ii) Let our words be few as we come to the Lord’s house for worship.