“Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.” (KJV)
This verse is not primarily condemning length, but careless, thoughtless speech before God.
1. The Warning Is Against Rash or Empty Words
The first part of the verse explains the meaning:
- “Be not rash with thy mouth”
- “let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God”
Solomon is warning against speaking quickly, impulsively, or carelessly in prayer or worship. In the context (Eccl. 5:1–7), he is addressing people who:
- Speak religious words without sincerity
- Make vows they do not intend to keep
- Talk much but do not truly reverence God
So “let thy words be few” means reverent, thoughtful speech, not necessarily short prayers.
2. Scripture Shows Long Prayers Are Not Wrong
The Bible contains many long prayers offered by godly men:
- Solomon’s prayer at the temple dedication — 1 Kings 8 (very lengthy)
- Daniel’s prayer — Daniel 9
- Nehemiah’s prayer — Nehemiah 1
- Jesus praying all night — Luke 6:12
- Jesus’ prayer in John 17
Clearly, the issue cannot be simply the length of a prayer.
3. Jesus Gave the Same Principle
Christ taught something very similar:
“But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.”
— Matthew 6:7
The problem Jesus addressed was empty repetition and showy praying, not sincere extended prayer.
4. The Real Principle: Reverence Before God
Ecclesiastes 5:2 emphasizes the distance between God and man:
- “God is in heaven” — He is sovereign, holy, exalted
- “thou upon earth” — We are finite, sinful creatures
Because of that reality, prayer should be marked by:
- Reverence
- Humility
- Sincerity
- Thoughtful speech
5. Practical Balance
So the biblical balance is:
Short prayers can be sincere.
Long prayers can be sincere.
But many careless words are never acceptable before God.
A long prayer that is earnest and thoughtful honors God.
A long prayer that is rambling, repetitive, or performed for others violates the principle of Ecclesiastes 5:2.
In simple terms
The verse is teaching:
Do not pray many careless words — speak to God with reverence and sincerity.
Not:
Never pray long prayers.
Comments are closed