Today's Verse: Ecclesiastes 5:2

Sunday, May 2, 1948

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.
— Ecclesiastes 5:2
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Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Even in our TikTok®, short sound-byte world, far too often, many words are spoken in pledge to God that go unfulfilled. We are also tempted to pray long prayers, thinking God will hear us because of our many words (Matthew 6:7). Instead, let's thank him, praise him, and make our requests to him. But let's also realize that while our prayers need to be persistent, our words don't need to be elaborate, refined, and many in number.

My Prayer...

Almighty God, thank you for the Holy Spirit interceding with you for us as we pray (Romans 8:26-27). Thank you for reminding us in your Scriptures that we don't have to use articulate prayers for you to hear our hearts. Thank you for not expecting grandiose promises or dazzling words from us when we pray. We come to you as your children, your humble servants, who long to live for you and praise you with our lives and our words. In Jesus' name, dear Father, we seek your grace as we pray. Amen.

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5 Related Resources by Heartlight

Let your Words be Few
Illustration of Ecclesiastes 5:2
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. - Ecclesiastes 5:2
Consider Your Words
Article by Tom Norvell
How many words are too many words? Tom Norvell makes a short and simple point about not using too many words.
Too Many Words
Article by Phil Ware
Fearful words for any preacher to hear! We must guard against using too many words!
Post 9-11, Prayer, & Politics
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Are you ready for the bumpy ride? Phil Ware reflects on 9-11 and reminds us to pray, while directing us to read and think through our faith.
See All 5 Related Resources about Ecclesiastes 5:2

Illustration

Illustration of Ecclesiastes 5:2 — 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.

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About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

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