Have you ever wondered if our modern worship services are actually stopping us from truly worshiping?
In the Old Testament, God told Israel that their worship wasn’t acceptable. They went through the motions but didn’t truly worship Him.
Solomon in Ecclesiastes 5 gives us something to think about. He talks about real worship. If you believe in God, you worship Him, but how should we do this?
He starts with a warning about the house of God: “Guard your steps as you go to the house of God, and approach to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know that they are doing evil. Do not be quick with your mouth 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. For the dream comes through much effort, and the voice of a fool through many words,” (Ecclesiastes 5:1-3).
Enter the house of God carefully. Know what you are doing. Solomon says true worship is about listening more than giving.
In the Old Testament, “hear” often means “obey.” Solomon says we should focus on obeying more than just sacrificing.
Fools do the opposite. They rush in, thinking only about what they can give to God. They never stop to consider what God requires of them. This, Solomon says, is evil.
Don’t be quick to speak. Remember how serious this is. God is in heaven, and we are on earth. Compared to Him, we are nothing but dust and ashes. Yet, we have the privilege of speaking to God. This is important and solemn.
Solomon backs this up with a proverb: “For the dream comes through much effort, and the voice of a fool through many words.”
When we’re overly focused on our problems, we carry them to bed and dream about them. Solomon says this is like speaking nonsense. If you talk too much in God’s presence, foolishness will come out. So, let your words be few.
This isn’t about empty words or shallow gestures. It’s about deep reverence, fiery passion, and pure wonder. We need to feel the weight of the moment when we worship.