Are you a talker? Let’s face it, you know it if you are. I must say I am certainly a talker. My family gives me a hard time when we’re out shopping because I’ll strike up a conversation with anyone. I can’t help it. I’m attracted to people and I enjoy getting to know them.
The book of Ecclesiastes is known most for Ecclesiastes 3 which begins “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:” and then the writer proceeds to list the various things that exist in seasons and times. I am certain my family would love for me to embrace the end of verse 7 where it says “a time to be silent and a time to speak.” The speaking part isn’t difficult, but the silent part takes some work. I’m just being honest.
In Proverbs 10:19 Solomon said “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” Who doesn’t want to be wise?
When you’re in a conversation with someone who is wiser than you or someone who has more knowledge about a situation than you do it is best to take on the role of listener. This is most accurate in your prayer time with the Lord. We would gain so much more from our time with Him if we would talk less and listen more. After all, we’re not placing an order in a drive thru window, but we all act like it from time to time. “I’ll have a sunny day with no problems today, a side of financial blessing and a supernatural healing for my mother-in-law.” Now that’s just plain silly when I put it that way; however, God gets these kinds of prayers often.
We need to practice Ecclesiastes 5:2b which says “God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.” The writer of Ecclesiastes isn’t telling us to “keep it quick” with God and then go on about our day. He’s telling us to speak less and listen more. God knows more than we could ever hope or imagine about anything and everything. We will never teach Him anything. You’ll never hear God say “I didn’t know that.” On the other hand, we will always be astounded and blown away by the things God knows if we will allow Him to speak.
Ecclesiastes 5:2b reminded me of a praise song I’m sure you’ve sung before:
“You are God in heaven, and here am I on earth, so I’ll let my words be few. Jesus, I am so in love with you. And I’ll stand in awe of you; yes, I’ll stand in awe of you. And I’ll let my words be few. Jesus, I am so in love with you.”
What would we really learn if we opened our prayer time with a song of praise and love to our Lord and then stopped and simply listened? Are you willing to try it? It may require holy duct tape, but it is so worth it.