By Matt Costella
Please take a moment to read Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 in which King Solomon addresses the saints’ demeanor in the house of God. Could it be said that even the act of worshiping the Lord can be considered “vanity and vexation of spirit” (Eccl. 1:14)? Yes it can, and Solomon speaks to this situation in these verses. Today, worship has become “big business” as multitudes seek to find the meaning and purpose of life through religion, that is, through their own efforts to approach God and to be approved by Him. Every religion in the world requires that man put on some kind of show: “Look at me; look at what I have done to earn God’s favor; look at what I am doing to become a better person; look at what I have withheld from myself—surely God must accept me now!” Even professing Christianity, in many circles, has become all about God receiving us based upon our own “spirituality” or “works.” Yet the one, true God has come to us and offers the free gift of eternal life to all who trust in Him and His finished work for their eternal well being. Those who have a relationship with the Lord are to worship Him with a humble, earnest heart as they walk in fellowship with Him—this is what provides true meaning in life.
Solomon’s thesis is clear: The worship of God is serious business, and we must worship Him on His terms rather than our own if we are to glorify Him and fulfill our very purpose for existence. The focus of Solomon’s warning centers around our inner man (which should produce the proper external behavior) as we approach God in worship. In what ways are we to “be careful” in our worship?
First, we need to be careful about our attitude in worship (v. 1). To “keep thy foot” means to guard your steps. Solomon is warning his readers to be prudent in their approach to God. How, then, do we guard our steps with regard to worship? First, we must worship at a “house of God” that is truly glorifying to Him. Sadly, many professed “houses of God” that exist today are, in reality, places that “do evil” through false teaching. Solomon warns his readers against committing themselves to this kind of religion. Second, when we do worship at a “house of God” that is biblical and God-honoring, we must enter with a heart that is ready to listen and learn. One who loves to talk but fails to listen and be taught is a disgrace in God’s sight and headed for a fall. In the New Testament, the apostle James exhorts us to refrain from thinking that we always need to be instructing everyone else (Jas. 3:1). God’s Word is clear: Obeying God and paying attention to His Word are far superior to “going through the motions” of worship and sacrifice when our heart is far from Him. In the Old Testament, God’s people were continually guilty of “going through the motions” even though they cared little about the Lord and His commands (1 Sam. 15:22). In fact, the entire book of Malachi details the Israelites’ hypocritical worship. In the New Testament, the Pharisees were prime examples of those whose hearts were far from God, yet they considered themselves justified by their good works. The proper attitude of worship in a biblical “house of God” is having the fear of God (v. 7b). When we enter God’s house, if we truly fear Him, everything we do will be about Him and His glory rather than about us or what we want to think or feel.
Second, we need to be careful about our words in worship (vv. 2-3). Words are powerful. They carry meaning and reveal the heart of the one speaking. Therefore, Solomon exhorts us to “let thy words be few” as we engage in the worship of God (v. 2). Why would he admonish us in this way? First, let me be clear—today, we can speak freely to God; in fact, He desires that we bring our cares to Him (Phil. 4:6; 1 Pet. 5:7). Solomon is not advising his readers to restrict communication with God; rather, he is referring to those who boast before God and want to be heard by others. He is advising us to be careful in our worship of God. Why? “God is in heaven”—we must remember that God hears everything we say with our mouth, and, of course, He also knows our heart as well. We can profess to testify of Him and glorify Him in our worship, but unless such worship is true and genuine, it means nothing to Him. In fact, it is an abomination to Him. He hates a proud look and a false witness (Prov. 6:16-19). God is higher than us, and our words should reflect our recognition of His greatness and our own humility. We are on earth (v. 2)—the words that we speak before other people are important as well. To be a person who loves to perpetually talk and be heard by others is to be a fool. An active, busy mind during the day often results in an active, busy night of dreams; in like manner, an active and busy mouth divulges the foolish heart of the one uttering too many words (v. 3). The Bible reveals that foolish people want to be heard and seek to set everyone else straight. God desires, rather, that we focus on our own relationship with Him and maintain a teachable spirit. To do so is to truly worship God.
Finally, we need to be careful about our service in worship (vv. 4-7). A fool not only desires to talk much, but he also wants to boast about what he plans to do for God (v. 4). Many today make one vow after another due to emotional appeals by high-pressure preachers or evangelists, but they never follow through because their decision was based on emotion rather than Spirit-wrought conviction. The Lord does not want us to make promises due to our feelings. Rather, He desires that we simply fulfill His will for our life—whatever that may be! Solomon warns against making promises to God and then telling His messenger, “I didn’t mean it; I didn’t understand; I made a mistake!” (v. 6). Today, we might say, “I didn’t realize the consequences, or I wasn’t sure enough.” The point is clear: Do not make a vow as the result of an emotional appeal; rather, simply walk with God, daily seek His will, and obey His voice. Solomon then gives a warning in verse seven concerning vain, empty worship: “In the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities.” Supposed dreams, revelations, and experiences in conjunction with man’s own ideas, words, and interpretations are worthless before God in the worship of Him. He desires that we fear Him, and to fear God means to take His person and His Word seriously rather than our own vain ideas and imaginations about Him. Ritual without a sincere heart is vain; worship involving much talk, self-focus, and self-promotion is vain; religion based upon personal dreams and revelations is vain. We honor the Lord only through a sincere relationship with Him whereby He receives reverence and glory according to His Word. With His help and strength, may we worship Him in spirit, in truth, and in the beauty of holiness.
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