Ecclesiastes 5:2

KJV

Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter [any] thing before God: for God [is] in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.

KJV (with Strong's)

Be not rash {H926} with thy mouth {H6310}, and let not thine heart {H3820} be hasty {H4116} to utter {H3318} any thing {H1697} before {H6440} God {H430}: for God {H430} is in heaven {H8064}, and thou upon earth {H776}: therefore let thy words {H1697} be few {H4592}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't speak impulsively - don't be in a hurry to give voice to your words before God. For God is in heaven, and you are on earth; so let your words be few.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. After all, God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few.

American Standard Version

Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thy heart be hasty to utter anything before God; for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 5:2 offers profound, timeless wisdom on the proper posture and practice of communicating with the Divine, urging individuals to approach God with profound reverence and intentionality. It serves as a potent warning against impulsive speech and thoughtless vows, emphasizing the immense, qualitative distinction between the transcendent Creator in heaven and finite humanity on earth. This theological reality necessitates a humble, deliberate, and concise approach to all verbal expressions directed towards God, ensuring that words are weighed with solemnity rather than uttered in haste or presumption.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a section of Ecclesiastes (often delineated as [Ecclesiastes 5:1-7](/ecclesiastes/5-1-7 "Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 - Wisdom for Worship")) that shifts Qoheleth's philosophical observations on life's vanities to practical, ethical instructions concerning one's conduct in the presence of God. It immediately follows the admonition in [Ecclesiastes 5:1](/ecclesiastes/5-1 "Ecclesiastes 5:1 - Guard Your Steps in God's House") to "guard thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools." This preceding verse establishes a foundational call for attentiveness and reverence in worship, setting the stage for [Ecclesiastes 5:2](/ecclesiastes/5-2 "Ecclesiastes 5:2 - Do Not Be Rash with Your Mouth") which then directly addresses the nature and quality of speech offered to God. The subsequent verses, [Ecclesiastes 5:3-7](/ecclesiastes/5-3-7 "Ecclesiastes 5:3-7 - On Vows, Dreams, and Reverence"), further elaborate on the sanctity of vows and the dangers of excessive, unconsidered speech, creating a cohesive unit that underscores the gravity and consequence of one's words and actions in the divine sphere.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the "house of God" referred primarily to the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem, central sites for worship, sacrifice, prayer, and the making of vows. Vows were not taken lightly; they were solemn commitments made before God, legally and religiously binding, as evidenced by Mosaic Law in passages such as [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21-23 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - The Law of Vows") and [Numbers 30](/numbers/30 "Numbers 30 - Laws Concerning Vows"). The cultural understanding of God was rooted in His absolute transcendence and sovereignty, a concept deeply ingrained in Israelite theology. He was perceived as distinct from humanity, dwelling in the heavens, while humanity inhabited the earthly realm. This hierarchical relationship underscored the necessity of humility, awe, and careful conduct when approaching the divine, a perspective common in ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions that valued deliberate, measured speech, especially in sacred contexts.
* **Key Themes:** [Ecclesiastes 5:2](/ecclesiastes/5-2 "Ecclesiastes 5:2 - Reverence in Speech Before God") powerfully articulates several core themes. Firstly, it emphasizes the **transcendence and majesty of God**, highlighting the vast ontological chasm between the infinite Creator and finite humanity. This divine otherness demands a posture of profound **reverence and awe** in all interactions with Him. Secondly, the verse underscores the critical importance of **discretion and intentionality in speech**, particularly in prayer, worship, and the making of vows. It serves as a stern warning against "rash" or "hasty" words, advocating for a thoughtful, considered approach. This theme extends to a broader principle of **responsible communication**, where one's words are not to be uttered lightly, especially when directed "before God," implying a constant awareness of His holy presence. Finally, the instruction to "let thy words be few" champions **quality over quantity** in communication with God, suggesting that sincere, concise expressions are far more valuable and respectful than verbose, thoughtless ones, a principle echoed in the New Testament's warnings against [vain repetitions in prayer](/matthew/6-7 "Matthew 6:7 - Avoiding Vain Repetitions").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rash (Hebrew, _bâhal'_):** From H926, meaning "to tremble inwardly (or palpitate), i.e. (figuratively) be (causative, make) (suddenly) alarmed or agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously." In this context, "rash" signifies an impetuousness or agitation that leads to thoughtless speech. It suggests a lack of careful consideration and an uncontrolled outpouring of words, which is deemed inappropriate when addressing God.
* **Hasty (Hebrew, _mâhar'_):** From H4116, meaning "to hurry (in a good or a bad sense); often used (with another verb) adverbially, promptly." Here, `mâhar` reinforces the negative connotation of `bâhal`, emphasizing a hurried or impulsive disposition of the heart. It points to a spontaneity born of carelessness rather than a genuine, Spirit-led urgency, contrasting sharply with the deliberate reverence required before God.
* **Thing / Words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, meaning "a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing." This versatile term is used twice in the verse, referring to "any thing" uttered and "thy words." Its dual application highlights that the caution extends not only to specific utterances but also to the underlying content, intent, and entire body of communication directed towards God. It encompasses both the spoken word and the substance of one's thoughts and commitments.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be not rash with thy mouth":** This opening imperative establishes a direct command against speaking impulsively or carelessly. The term "rash" (from `bâhal`) implies a lack of proper deliberation and a hurried, agitated utterance, which is profoundly disrespectful in the presence of the divine. It calls for self-control and intentionality in all verbal expressions directed towards God.
* **"and let not thine heart be hasty to utter [any] thing before God":** This clause expands the warning from mere external speech to the internal disposition. It is not only about the words themselves but also the heart's inclination to speak without due consideration. "Hasty" (from `mâhar`) reinforces the idea of rushing into speech without acknowledging God's majesty. The phrase "before God" underscores the solemn and sacred context of this communication.
* **"for God [is] in heaven, and thou upon earth":** This serves as the profound theological rationale for the preceding commands. It articulates the immense, qualitative distinction between the transcendent, sovereign God and finite, mortal humanity. God's dwelling "in heaven" signifies His supreme authority, holiness, omniscience, and infinite nature, while humanity's position "upon earth" signifies dependence, limitation, and fallibility. This stark contrast mandates humility, awe, and reverence in all divine encounters.
* **"therefore let thy words be few":** This concluding imperative functions as the practical application and summary of the verse's wisdom. Given God's infinite transcendence and humanity's inherent humility, the appropriate response is not verbose or elaborate speech, but concise, thoughtful, and sincere communication. "Few" implies a focus on quality over quantity, substance over show, and reverence over recklessness, reflecting a deep respect for the Holy One.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 5:2 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most striking is **Contrast**, which is vividly presented through the antithetical juxtaposition of "God [is] in heaven" and " thou upon earth." This stark opposition immediately establishes the vast ontological and positional chasm between the divine and the human, serving as the fundamental theological premise for the preceding commands. The verse also utilizes the **Imperative Mood** ("Be not," "let not," "let thy words be"), which lends a direct, authoritative, and instructional tone, characteristic of wisdom literature. Furthermore, there is an element of **Synecdoche** where "mouth" and "heart" represent the entirety of one's outward expression and inner disposition, respectively, emphasizing that both must be aligned in reverence and intentionality when approaching God. Finally, the phrase "let thy words be few" functions as a **Metonymy**, where "few words" stands in for thoughtful, sincere, and reverent communication, rather than merely a numerical limitation, advocating for depth and quality over superficial verbosity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 5:2 is a foundational text for understanding the nature of worship, prayer, and vows, rooted in a profound theological understanding of God's absolute transcendence and humanity's inherent immanence. It is a powerful call to intentionality, humility, and reverence in all divine encounters, reminding us that God is not to be approached casually, flippantly, or presumptuously. The verse teaches that true piety and devotion are demonstrated not through a multitude of words or rash promises, but through a heart that genuinely acknowledges God's supreme authority and a mouth that speaks with careful, considered respect. This principle resonates throughout the broader biblical narrative, consistently emphasizing the importance of sincere devotion over outward show, and the wisdom of measured, thoughtful speech in the presence of the Holy One.

* [Proverbs 10:19](/proverbs/10-19 "Proverbs 10:19 - Wisdom in Few Words")
* [Matthew 6:7](/matthew/6-7 "Matthew 6:7 - Avoiding Vain Repetitions in Prayer")
* [James 1:19](/james/1-19 "James 1:19 - Be Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 5:2 offers timeless wisdom that profoundly impacts our contemporary spiritual practices, particularly in an age characterized by instant communication and often unbridled self-expression. This verse serves as a crucial anchor, calling us back to a posture of humility, reverence, and intentionality before God. It challenges us to examine not only the content of what we say in prayer, worship, or spiritual commitments, but also the underlying attitude and disposition of our hearts. Are our prayers genuine expressions of devotion, or are they rote, rushed, or presumptuous? Are our commitments to God made thoughtfully, with full understanding of their weight, or are they impulsive vows born of fleeting emotion or external pressure? This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep, abiding awareness of God's majesty and holiness in every aspect of our lives, leading to a more intentional, sincere, and ultimately more powerful relationship with Him. It reminds us that the quality and sincerity of our devotion far outweigh the quantity or eloquence of our words.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my current approach to prayer and worship reflect the profound "God in heaven, thou upon earth" dynamic articulated in this verse?**
* **In what specific areas of my life am I prone to speaking rashly or making hasty commitments, particularly concerning spiritual matters or promises made to God?**
* **What practical steps can I implement to cultivate greater intentionality, thoughtfulness, and fewer "words" in my communication with God?**
* **How does a deeper understanding of God's transcendence and my own humility impact my daily reverence and conscious awareness of His presence?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "be not rash with thy mouth" before God?**

Answer: To "be not rash with thy mouth" means to avoid speaking impulsively, carelessly, or thoughtlessly when addressing God, whether in prayer, worship, or making vows. It is a profound warning against uttering words that are not well-considered, sincere, or reverent. Because God is in heaven (transcendent, holy, and omniscient) and we are on earth (finite, dependent, and fallible), our speech before Him should reflect humility, awe, and intentionality, rather than a quick, ill-conceived outburst. This aligns with the broader biblical wisdom found in [Proverbs 29:20](/proverbs/29-20 "Proverbs 29:20 - A Fool's Hasty Speech") which cautions against the dangers of hasty speech.

**Why does the verse say "let thy words be few"? Is God not interested in hearing from us often?**

Answer: The instruction to "let thy words be few" does not discourage frequent or fervent communication with God; rather, it emphasizes the quality, sincerity, and thoughtfulness of that communication over its quantity or verbosity. It is a call for substance, reverence, and genuine heart engagement, not for silence. The point is that true devotion is expressed through carefully chosen, heartfelt words, even if concise, rather than a multitude of empty, repetitive, or presumptuous phrases. The New Testament echoes this sentiment in [Matthew 6:7](/matthew/6-7 "Matthew 6:7 - Avoiding Vain Repetitions"), where Jesus cautions against "vain repetitions" in prayer. God desires authentic communion and a humble heart, not elaborate performances or empty rhetoric.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 5:2 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament verse highlights the vast, unbridgeable chasm between God in heaven and humanity on earth, Jesus uniquely bridges this divide as the [God-man, Emmanuel](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - God With Us"). He is the only one who perfectly understood and flawlessly demonstrated how to speak "before God" because He is God Himself, the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). His prayers, as recorded throughout the Gospels, were never rash or hasty, but always deeply intentional, profoundly reverent, and perfectly aligned with the Father's will, as exemplified in His [high priestly prayer in John 17](/john/17 "John 17 - Jesus' High Priestly Prayer") or His agonizing yet submissive prayer in [Gethsemane](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane"). Jesus' words were always "few" in the sense of being perfectly chosen, powerful, and effective, never wasteful or vain. He taught His disciples to pray with simplicity and sincerity in the [Lord's Prayer](/matthew/6-9-13 "Matthew 6:9-13 - The Lord's Prayer"), embodying the very wisdom of Ecclesiastes 5:2. Through Christ, believers are now granted access to God, not through their own perfect speech or merit, but through His perfect mediation and the indwelling [Spirit who intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words](/romans/8-26 "Romans 8:26 - The Spirit's Intercession"), allowing us to approach the heavenly Father with both profound reverence and confident assurance, knowing our words are heard through Him who is the perfect Word.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 6:7

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen [do]: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

Proverbs 10:19

¶ In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips [is] wise.

Isaiah 55:9

For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Matthew 6:9

¶ After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Genesis 18:27

And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which [am but] dust and ashes:

Ecclesiastes 5:7

For in the multitude of dreams and many words [there are] also [divers] vanities: but fear thou God.

Numbers 30:2

If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.