Ecclesiastes 5:1—“Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.”
Solomon here turns his attention to those who enter God’s house. “Keep thy foot” calls for care in how they approach Him. An Israelite might bring a sacrifice and appear devout, yet fail to listen to God’s commands. Such an offering was “the sacrifice of fools”: an act of worship emptied of obedience.
The danger is particularly serious because these worshippers “consider not that they do evil”. They may assume that appearing at God’s house is enough. Yet the Lord sees not only their offerings but also their hearts. Being “ready to hear” means more than staying quiet while Scripture is read. It means receiving God’s Word with a willingness to believe and obey it.
Christians do not bring animal sacrifices to church; Christ has offered Himself once for sins (Hebrews 10:12). Nevertheless, Solomon’s warning still calls us to examine our worship. We may attend a service, sing, and pray while refusing to heed a command that challenges us. Outward participation cannot take the place of a listening heart.
Before gathering for worship, ask God to make you attentive to His Word. When it exposes sin, confess it. When it issues a command, seek grace to obey. When it declares His promises, receive them in faith.
Let us approach the Lord reverently, grateful that He speaks to His people. The fitting response to His Word is not merely to hear its sound, but to take it to heart.
