Overview:
Ecclesiastes 5:1–7; Hebrews 4:12–13
So much of this ancient journal is horizontal musing, the bitter and barren side of life seen through the eyes of a cynic—Solomon himself. But on a few, rare occasions, the book is punctuated with remarkable vertical insights that scrape away the façade of empty religion and drive us back to the reality of a meaningful relationship with God. This passage is one of those occasions. Like a cool oasis in the middle of a hot, dry desert, these seven verses provide refreshment to a soul weary from horizontal pursuits. Ecclesiastes 5:1–7 allows the Christian to take a few steps away from occupational involvements and into the Lord’s presence . . . To worship and focus on Him. What’s to be remembered? How are we to think and respond?
Message Summary:
In this message, Pastor Chuck Swindoll addresses the danger of “empty religion” and the need for a sincere, vertical relationship with God. While much of Ecclesiastes focuses on the horizontal frustrations of life, these verses serve as a “cool oasis,” guiding the believer into the presence of the Lord. Chuck explores Solomon’s advice on how to approach God—moving from casual, thoughtless ritual to intentional, reverent worship. This sermon provides essential principles for anyone wanting to move beyond religious performance and into a meaningful encounter with the Creator.
Message Key Facts:
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Guard Your Steps: Solomon warns worshipers to “guard your steps” when going to the house of God. Chuck emphasizes that we must approach worship with intentionality and preparation, rather than mindlessly drifting into religious activities (Ecclesiastes 5:1).
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Listen Before You Speak: A hallmark of true worship is a “readiness to listen.” Chuck highlights that we often rush into God’s presence with a “sacrifice of fools,” speaking too much and listening too little. Reverence begins with silence (Ecclesiastes 5:1–2).
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The Weight of Words: Because God is in heaven and we are on earth, our words should be few. Chuck warns against making hasty or shallow promises to God, noting that “a fool’s voice is known by many words” (Ecclesiastes 5:2–3).
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The Integrity of Vows: If you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it. Chuck explains that God has no pleasure in fools who make emotional promises they never intend to keep. It is better not to vow than to vow and not pay (Ecclesiastes 5:4–5).
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Standing in Awe: The ultimate goal of worship is not to find a “religious high” or to perform for others, but to “fear God.” This holy awe is the only antidote to the “vanity” of empty dreams and many words (Ecclesiastes 5:7).
Message References:
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Ecclesiastes 5:1: The call to guard your steps and draw near to listen rather than offer the sacrifice of fools.
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Ecclesiastes 5:2: The reminder that God is in heaven and we are on earth; therefore, let our words be few.
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Ecclesiastes 5:4–5: The instruction regarding the seriousness of making and keeping vows to God.
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Ecclesiastes 5:7: The concluding command to “fear God” amidst a world of empty fantasies.
