Why Listen? • Ecclesiastes 4:13-5:7
By Beth S. Bowman
Right now it is very popular to display home decor with meaningful sayings. Three of the most popular sayings for Christians are: “It is well with my soul,” Grateful, Thankful, Blessed,” and “Simply Blessed.” Our focal verses this week from Ecclesiastes can read like popular wall quotes, if we’re not careful to look at the meanings behind each and why they are included in God’s Word.
The idea behind the first verse this week is, “Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to heed a warning” (Ecclesiastes 4:13). It’s better to be someone who listens to wise and appropriate advice than someone who does not know how to listen when warned.
Solomon continues in the next verses to imagine the youth who would eventually follow him in kingship. This youth may have come from prison, or poverty, or may have a great following. Whatever the circumstances or outcome, it doesn’t matter because everything ends up like chasing after the wind.
In other words, in God’s economy, these temporary things do not matter.
In Ecclesiastes chapter five, verse one, Solomon continues to share his wisdom with a verse that we should all commit to memory. The New Living Translation (NLT) states it this way: “As you enter the house of God, keep your ears open and your mouth shut. It is evil to make mindless offerings to God.” It is better for us to obey, rather than sacrifice.
Listen to the Lord during worship and lean into His message about sin. This is much better than accepting God’s truth without any desire to obey it.
We so often believe that we know best when it comes to life decisions. We often try to control situations and people rather than trusting that God sees all, knows all, and works for our best. The Book of James says so much about controlling our tongue. James 3:3-6 (NIV) states plainly, “3When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.”
Solomon would agree with James that fewer words and more listening is the way to go!
The conclusion of this passage really sums up the point of today’s study: “Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore, fear the Lord” (Ecclesiastes 5:7 NIV). Our words get in the way of our ability to stop and listen to God. They get in the way of our understanding of the Lord.
My husband and I have had the privilege of serving our partner church in Birmingham, England. They practice a unique listening strategy in their worship services. After every sermon is over, everyone observes a moment of silence and quiet to listen to God. It is one of the most special things I have experienced — just to be quiet, still, and reverent.
As you commit yourself to growing in reverence and respect of Almighty God, here are some tips that can help you on your journey:
— Listen before you pray. Stop before you start speaking to God, and ask Him to speak to you.
— Listen as you read the Word. What is God saying to you specifically in the passage?
— Listen during worship. How is God speaking to you through the music and sermon?
Bowman, a member of West Carthage Church, is a speaker/writer. She may be contacted at beth@bethbowman.net.
