In review of Ecclesiastes 5:4 it says, “When you make a promise to God, don’t delay in following through, for God takes no pleasure in fools” (Ecclesiastes 5:4 NLT).
Today’s verse comes from Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 and the central theme is to approach God with care. Solomon tells me that as I enter the house of the God, to keep my ears open and my mouth shut. It is evil to make mindless offerings to God. Don't make rash promises, and don't be hasty in bringing matters before God. After all, God is in heaven, and I am here on earth. So let my words be few. Too much activity gives me restless dreams; too many words makes me a fool. When I make a promise to God, I should never delay in following through, for God takes no pleasure in fools. Keep all promises I make to him. It is better to say nothing than to make a promise and not keep it. Don't let my mouth make me sin. And don't defend myself by telling the Temple messenger that the promise I made was a mistake. That would make God angry, and he might wipe out everything I have achieved. Talk is cheap, like daydreams and other useless activities. Fear God instead.
These verses give a warning on how to approach God with care. When I enter the house of God, I need to have the attitude of being open and ready to listen to God, not to dictate to him what I think God should do.
Solomon also warns me about making foolish promises (vows) to God. Making a vow is a serious matter. Vows were voluntary, but once made, they could not be changed. It is foolish to make a vow I cannot keep or to play games with God by only partially fulfilling my vow. It's better to not make a vow than to make a vow to God and then break it. It's better still to make a vow and to keep it.
As I seek God’s will for my life, I need to understand one very important thing.: God is not obligated to reveal Step 2 until you’ve done Step 1. Maybe I keep saying, “I want to know God’s will for my life,” and God says, “Let’s get to the basics. Am I reading my Bible, in a small group, tithing, talking with me?” He wants me to start doing what I already know to be the revealed will of God for my life before he tells me what else to do.
So, are there any things God has told me to do but that haven’t done yet? Why is that the case? The truth is, I’m not waiting on God; he’s waiting on me.
I shouldn’t wait another week or another year to do what God has already told me to do.
Today and this weekend I should consider what am I waiting for? Ecclesiastes 5:4 says, “When you make a promise to God, don’t delay in following through, for God takes no pleasure in fools” (NLT). Don’t delay. Do what I already know to do.
Bottom Line:
When you make a promise, don’t delay in completing it. To delay and not follow through does not please God. It’s foolish.
What this means to me:
When I make a promise to God, I shouldn’t delay in fulfilling or following through with it. To delay or not follow through is foolish and God will not pleased with me.
In summary, I need to listen more than I speak. I shouldn’t dictate to God what I want him to do. I shouldn’t make any rash promises, for what I promise I need to do and do quickly without delay. I should also realize that God is not obligated to reveal the next step until I've done what he has already told me to do. So this morning I need to consider what things he has already told me to do and haven’t. God is waiting for me to take the steps he has already revealed. Also, as I study God’s word, I’ve come across the notion that “too much activity gives me restless dreams.” I have very restless dreams. I need to consider the activities I have and how to accomplish them or maybe not even take them on in the first place.
Father, this morning I pray, “For your guidance in my life. I ask in faith that you direct me. Help me to listen for your response, and to not get so busy that I can’t hear you. Father, when I don’t understand it, help me to trust you and understand that you have a path that is for my good. God, what’s my next step? Help me to do what I already know I should do. Help me to not get frustrated. Help me to not be fearful but to trust in you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”
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