Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. Be not rash with they 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.
The Value of Your Words
Just yesterday I was reading Luciano Pavarotti’s recollections of the 3 Tenors concert in Los Angeles, CA in 1990. The stats are absolutely staggering. That concert had 56,000 people in attendance, and was broadcast to 107 different countries. It was a concert the magnitude of which is amazing. You know, addressing God has more potential for power than addressing in word or song millions of people.
Now, let me ask you a question. What are your words worth to the people who hear them? More importantly, how much are your words worth to God? Part of the answer to these questions is another question-How much is your word worth? Are your words true?
Scarcity and quality are two dynamics that add value to our words. Fewer words generally produce more value. All words are more valuable when we listen readily and speak deliberately. This is true with our words before men and more importantly our words before God. Here are a couple actions to keep in mind.
1. Be ready to hear. This is talking about our obedience. Don’t just come to God with some empty ceremony or empty habit. Be ready to hear what God has said, and be ready to obey what you hear.
2. Be slow to speak. This is especially true when approaching God. We are not to be rash or rushed. Now he’s not saying we should be reluctant to come to God in prayer. God is always ready to hear. But our prayers should not be mindless or heartless, and our promises should not be empty.
In the end, the value of words is how true and beneficial they are. Anyone can have words that have value to God because they are true and they come on the heels of a listening ear and an obedient heart.