Today's Verse: Ecclesiastes 5:2

Monday, May 2, 1960

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
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

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.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

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
Article by Phil Ware
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.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, May 2, 1960

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Limited Opportunities' (Jn. 12:34-36)
"[When Jesus referred to his crucifixion, the] crowd responded, "We understood from Scripture that the Messiah would live forever. How can you say the...."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Holy Spirit Transportation' (Ek. 11:1)
"Then the Spirit lifted me [Ezekiel] and brought me to the east gateway of the Lord's Temple, where I saw twenty-five prominent men of the city. Among them were...."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'The Fountain of Living Water' (Je. 17:12-13)
"We worship at your throne — eternal, high, and glorious! O Lord, the hope of Israel, all who turn away from you will be disgraced. They will be...."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Treason or Truth?' (Acts 17:6-7)
"Not finding [Paul and Silas, the mob] dragged out Jason and some of the other believers instead and took them before the city council. "Paul and..."

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.

More Today's Verse