Honor God.

Have you ever gotten in trouble for saying something you shouldn’t? Have you ever said something and wish you could take it back. For some of you your words were profanity and maybe there were repercussions for what you said. In the movie a Christmas story, Ralphie says some words that are both mean and inappropriate to his mother. His punishment is that he has to eat soap to wash his mouth. Here’s the clip

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KjxFDGFKhk

Today we will see what Solomon has to say about words God, and what an honorable life looks like.

Ecclesiastes 5:1-3 “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. For a dream comes with much business, and a fool’s voice with many words.”

Prayer is serious business. Like marriage, “it must

not be entered into lightly or carelessly, but soberly

and in the fear of God.” If you and I were privileged

to bring our needs and requests to the White House

or to Buckingham Palace, we would prepare our

words carefully and exhibit proper behavior. How

much more important it is when we come to the

throne of Almighty God? Yet, there is so much flip-

pant praying done by people who seem to know

nothing about the fear of the Lord. “Warren Wiersbe”

We need to be careful and thoughtful with our words. We shouldn’t be trying to sound cool or say so many words in order to sound good. God wants our hearts not cool phrases or for us to “sound good” He desires a real authentic relationship with Him.

A person that is all talk but years down the road nothing has changed. Example my mom and the prosperity gospel

We need to be careful with our words, because our words show the condition of our heart. If we are lying that means inside of us we are afraid of the truth being revealed and possible consequences we may receive.

If we are saying mean things that are bitter, it may be because we are harboring anger, hurt, pain , and frustration inside of us from ways we have been treated in the past.

Ecclesiastes 5:4–7 ESV

When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. Let not your mouth lead you into sin, and do not say before the messenger that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice and destroy the work of your hands? For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear.

James 3:1–18 ESV

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water. Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Why does what we say matter so much to God?

Why do so many people say things that are hurtful?

What are some ways this week I can use my words for good and to honor God

What is the difference between true worship and false worship of God? What are the differences between being a true disciple of Christ, or a hypocrite?