The Teacher turns next to prayer and its effectiveness in a society that has been oppressed. How does the Lord see these matters from his vantage point, and what does he have a mind to do, generally speaking? I’ve heard folks advise those who pray to be detailed and describe everything you desire the Lord to do. Others say one needs to pray the word of God, reminding the Lord what he had promised, asking him to fulfill his will as he stated it. Moreover, those who advise such things seem to be able to support their conclusions with scripture, so what can be said against such an argument? Nevertheless, it seems the Teacher would advise against such conclusions. So, where do those in need stand, and how should they present themselves, when they appear before the Lord?
When we come to prayer, some folks would have us believe we need to be bold, when we approach the Lord’s presence (Hebrews 4:16) and list our requests, thanking him beforehand for what he is about to do for us (Philippians 4:6). Nevertheless, neither scripture supports such an attitude, for neither has anything to do with requests for life’s needs or pleasures. God already knows those things (Matthew 6:31-32). Rather, these scriptures pertain to the believer’s labor in the goals of the Kingdom of God (cp. Matthew 6:33)! What the Teacher means for us to consider is prayer in light of man’s rebellion against God (Genesis 3; cp. Ecclesiastes 1:13).[1] What right has a son of Adam, the rebel, have before God, who has cast mankind out of his presence (Genesis 3:23-24)? Does the Lord have any responsibility toward a rebel? What about those who have repented and entered into a covenant with him?
Therefore, the Teacher tells his readers to be careful what they say and do, when they come before the Lord to worship. We are told it is better to simply listen for the Lord to speak (in our hearts), than to foolishly blurt out what we would do for the Lord in exchange for him taking our part (Ecclesiastes 5:1). Fools enter the Lord’s presence ready to bargain with him, not knowing right from wrong, and unaware of the fact they are in a state of rebellion.
A fool is rash with his words before the Lord and is apt to speak without giving thought to what he says (Ecclesiastes 5:3). He will pray with many words in an endless litany of complaints and needs (Matthew 6:7), speaking loudly and passionately (1Kings 18:25-29), even to the point of making rash vows (Micah 6:7), but the Lord will not hear his prayers.
Instead, the Teacher advises his readers to be quiet before the Lord and listen for him to speak to one’s heart (Ecclesiastes 5:2). Make neither sudden promises nor strong and hasty assertions. One’s prayers ought to come from one’s heart, a product of deep and considerable thought, but if they are hasty, thoughtless words, how could they be anything more than a blustery breeze coming out of an empty mouth (Matthew 15:8-9)? Better, one should listen in silence, expressing reverence in the presence of the Lord of heaven and earth. Such a person would receive the benefit of his good graces (cp. Sirach 32:9).
If a vow is made before the Lord, one should make haste to fulfill it, but make no vows that can’t be kept. It is better, according to the Teacher, to make no vow at all than it be made but not kept, because one will be held responsible for what he says in the presence of God (Ecclesiastes 5:4-6; cp. Matthew 5:33-37). The end of worship is to respect and revere the Lord. However, in popular religion there are many revelations (dreams) seen, and many eloquent words spoken, but vanity, meaninglessness permeates it all and should be avoided. Be silent! Listen! When in the presence of God, don’t speak; listen with your heart. (Ecclesiastes 5:7).
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[1] Concerning man’s present labor, see my earlier study: Vanity of Vanities, All Is Vanity!
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