Sometimes you have to listen closely to what you say. If you don’t, you could end up blowing smoke, carelessly throwing out words void of meaning. As I reflected upon recent conversations with my children on my days off, its sad to say that I’ve become a man of broken promises.
A dream comes when there are many cares, and many words mark the speech of a fool, Ecclesiastes 5:3.
Just because someone is intelligent, does not make them immune from making foolish decisions. The context of the passage above likely refers to Solomon’s struggles to please his wife. Like any good husband, there is a desire satisfy the needs of those whom you love. Unfortunately, Solomon acquired 700 wives and 300 concubines as king of Israel, making it extremely difficult for him to be a man of his word.
When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow, Ecclesiastes 5:4.
As I try to pick up the pieces of my tattered reputation, the words of Ecclesiastes serve as a good place to start. Whether you are talking to friends, family or neighbors, don’t promise anything you can’t keep. If anything, limit your commitments and over deliver. For if you don’t heed this message, you may wake up one morning like me and realize that you’ve become a man of broken promises.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 