Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near and listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.*
The last couple of posts have addressed the subject of words, first their power, then the wisdom of their brevity. This one goes farther, that there’s a time for none at all, when listening is the order of the day.
It’s no coincidence that God gave each of us one mouth and two ears. Maybe we’re to listen twice as much as we talk.
Fact: The mind is only open when the mouth is shut.
Another fact: Though we can close our mouth, we can’t in the same way close our ears. We’re meant to listen.
And we’ll look smarter doing it. As someone has said, “It’s better to be quiet and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.”
The context from Ecclesiastes speaks specifically of our actions in the presence of God, and as I asked before, where isn’t that?
It warns of offering “the sacrifice of fools.”
What is the sacrifice of fools?
Except maybe excuses, defenses, justifications and blame?
Any of that, when standing in front of the One who sees straight through me, isn’t foolishness; it’s idiocy. Exactly Who do I think I’m fooling?
If I am going to make a sacrifice, it seems best to start with my ego. It’ll hurt just a little, will likely help a lot, and God knows there’ll be plenty left.
Best to just be quiet and listen to whatever He might have to say.
Remaining quiet . . . it’s a small sacrifice.
And a wise one.
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*Ecclesiastes 5:1
Next: Depending on Folly. Coming Thursday.
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
8:56 am
Love this. Once again you hit the nail square on its head!
9:00 am
I’m speechless … thanks, Hyatt.
9:01 am
I’ve always thought (and probably said, knowing me!) that’s it’s not fair – life is easier, in this regard, for introverts, who speak less, at least in a crowd…where I usually get into trouble with too many words! Of course, some of my most talkative friends are introverts – just one-on-one chatty kathy’s. The point it: I need to accept Solomon’s words for ME, not anyone else. Funny how God does that – He’s so personal and so right-on target. You’re pretty good, too, dear brother.
9:03 am
“Speechless!” Norm, Now that’s a concept…
10:27 am
I must remember daily to keep in mind these wise words of wisdom. They definitely pertain to me. Thank you, Hyatt, for your well thought out, exquisitely written interpretation of another Ecclesiastes quote.
11:29 am
One of your best and one to follow!
6:16 pm
Once again, excellent article!! The best advice – subject – ever. So simple and so hard.
Thank you dear Hyatt!