To some people, God is like a genie. We ignore him most of the time, keeping him in a bottle in the back of our closet or drawer. But when we need something, we pull him out and ask him to help us.
Or to some people, God is like a parent that we can bargain with. “Come on, I’ll wash the car if you let me borrow it on Friday!”
But Solomon here talks about the futility of trying to manipulate God.
Too often, people come before God, but instead of coming to listen to God and to seek his will, they try to manipulate him.
Some people try to do that with long prayers, thinking that it will impress God and get him to do things for us. But Jesus said,
When you pray, do not keep talking on and on the way ungodly people do. They think they will be heard because they talk a lot.
Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need even before you ask him. (Matthew 6:7-8) (NIRV)
Others try to bargain with God. They really want something, and so they end up making foolish oaths without thinking about what they’re really saying. The story of Jephthah was a good example of this.
But Solomon says this,
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.
As a dream comes when there are many cares, so the speech of a fool when there are many words…
Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God. (Ecclesiastes 5:2-3, 7)
When you come before God, how do you do so? Do you come with many words, talking about your plans, your dreams, your desires?
Do you come before God with your complaints about your life and how unfair it is, and ask why he doesn’t do this or that?
Solomon says here that we would do better to do more listening to than talking to God.
Instead of focusing on what we want to say, we should focus on what God wants to say to us. Instead of focusing on what we desire, we should focus on what God desires.
Instead of talking all the time, our words should be few.
Things like:
Father, I love you.
Father, you are worthy of all praise.
Father, may your kingdom come in the lives of the people around me.
Father, I desire your will in my life. What do you want me to do?
Father, please provide my needs today.
Father, forgive my sins. Help me to be more like you, and keep me from sin.
Father, _____ hurt me today. Please help me to forgive him/her.
Father, please keep your hand of protection on me today.
Simple words. But powerful words. Words in fact, that Jesus recommended as the model prayer. (Matthew 6:9-13)
And then, instead of saying any more, just stand before God and listen.
I confess I don’t do enough of this. But if we want a meaningful relationship with God, that’s where it starts.
Not with many vain words. Empty words. Meaningless words.
But with just a few words, and a heart that seeks to hear the voice of God.
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 