Fear God or Be Foolish
Scripture
1 Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil. 2 Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few. 3 For the dream comes through much effort and the voice of a fool through many words.
4 When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow! 5 It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. 6 Do not let your speech cause you to sin and do not say in the presence of the messenger of God that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry on account of your voice and destroy the work of your hands? 7 For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God.
Description
The book of Ecclesiastes is a compelling call to live a God-centered life and thus concludes by urging us to fear God. Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 makes this plea in a shocking way; by declaring we either fear God or are foolish. Three stark contrasts between fearing God and being foolish are unfolded before us. Obeying this message will place us on a rock-solid foundation in Christ.