Ecclesiastes 5:2

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:2 (KJV)

Ecclesiastes 5:2 offers profound wisdom on the reverence due to God, particularly concerning our words and intentions. It serves as a powerful reminder for believers to approach the divine with humility and thoughtful consideration, rather than impulsive speech.

Context

This verse is part of a section in Ecclesiastes (starting from Ecclesiastes 5:1) where the Preacher, or Qoheleth, provides practical advice on proper conduct in the presence of God, especially in the context of worship, prayer, and making vows. It transitions from observations about life's vanities to direct instructions on how to honor God, emphasizing the importance of spiritual discipline over foolish actions or words.

Key Themes

  • Reverence and Awe: The core message highlights the vast, unbridgeable gap between the finite human being ("thou upon earth") and the infinite, majestic God ("God is in heaven"). This distinction demands utmost respect and awe in all interactions with the divine.
  • Thoughtful Speech: The verse strongly cautions against impulsive or careless utterances before God. It emphasizes that our words, especially in prayer or worship, should be weighed and considered, not born of haste or rashness.
  • Humility: Recognizing God's exalted position and our humble earthly status naturally leads to a posture of humility. This humility should manifest in our speech, avoiding any presumption or arrogance.
  • Quality Over Quantity: The instruction to "let thy words be few" is not about speaking less in general, but about the quality and sincerity of our communication with God. It suggests that brevity, coupled with sincerity, is more acceptable than a multitude of thoughtless words. This echoes the warning against vain repetitions in prayer found in the New Testament.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "rash" (pachaz) implies being reckless or impetuous, suggesting a lack of seriousness or proper consideration when speaking to God.
  • "Hasty" (mahar) means to rush or act quickly, reinforcing the idea of thoughtless spontaneity rather than deliberate reflection.
  • "Few" (me'at) signifies a small quantity. In this context, it promotes conciseness and substance over verbosity, indicating that genuine reverence is expressed through intentional, meaningful words rather than a torrent of empty ones.

Related Scriptures

This principle of careful speech before God is echoed throughout Scripture:

  • Proverbs 10:19 warns, "In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise."
  • The importance of careful speech extends to the keeping of vows made to God, as further elaborated in Ecclesiastes 5:4-5.
  • James 1:19 advises believers to be "swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath."

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 5:2 holds immense relevance for believers today. It calls us to:

  • Cultivate Intentional Prayer: Rather than reciting rote phrases or rambling aimlessly, we should approach prayer with a mindful, reverent heart, choosing our words carefully and sincerely.
  • Practice Thoughtful Worship: Whether in personal devotion or corporate worship, our expressions of praise and adoration should stem from genuine awe and understanding, not just emotional impulse.
  • Guard Our Tongue: This verse serves as a general reminder to be careful with all our words, especially when discussing spiritual matters or making commitments that involve God. It encourages a life of integrity where our words align with our heart and our actions.

In essence, Ecclesiastes 5:2 encourages us to remember God's transcendent holiness and our humble place, leading us to speak with reverence, wisdom, and sincerity.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 6:7 (30 votes)

    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 (24 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 55:9 (17 votes)

    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 (11 votes)

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

  • Genesis 18:27 (10 votes)

    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 (10 votes)

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

  • Numbers 30:2 (10 votes)

    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.