The Sacrifice Of Fools

Before we begin today’s service I want to make it very clear that I have not come here today to speak about bible prophecies; however, I do want to bring to your attention something that I consider is of the utmost importance. I also want it to be very clear that with what I am about to tell you I am not trying to scare or intimidate anyone, my only intention is to bring some of you up to speed of the things that are occurring in the world that you may not be aware of. I do not know how many of you pay attention to the international news, but for the last several days I have been hearing a particular news article that I deem very important. The news article is that “China has called for the creation of a new currency to eventually replace the dollar as the world's standard”[1].

Although many may not pay attention to this particular piece of news, and others simply dismiss it from their mind as something unimportant, the reality of it all is than when we do the math, that is to say, when we begin to add up everything that is happening around the globe, it is not difficult to conclude that every day that passes brings us closer to the “New World Order” which will be lead by the antichrist. Why did I begin today’s service in this fashion? The reason I started today’s service in this fashion is because as I said last week, all of us, without exception of anyone, run the danger of being tempted or attracted to abandon God’s truth. However, now we must ask ourselves: why does this happen? The answer to this question will be our theme for today.

Ecclesiastes 5:1-4 - Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil. 2Do not be rash with your mouth, And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few. 3For a dream comes through much activity, And a fool’s voice is known by his many words. 4When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; For He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed.

The majority of the bible scholars feel comfortable saying that the author of the book of Ecclesiastes was Solomon. Something that all of us should know is that Salomon was a man that had an excellent beginning before God’s eyes; his intentions were pure and unblemished. This is something that is clearly expressed in the blessing that God bestowed upon him as we find in 1 Kings 3:9-12 when we read: “Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” 10The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. 11Then God said to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, 12behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you.”

The problem that Solomon had was not very different than the problem that exists in the church today. The problem that Solomon had was that eventually he departed from God’s way. This is something that is clearly stated in 1 Kings 11:4-6 when we read: “For it was so, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned his heart after other gods; and his heart was not loyal to the LORD his God, as was the heart of his father David. 5For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 6Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and did not fully follow the LORD, as did his father David.” However, according to the verses that we are exploring today, we see that Salomon eventually repented from his sins. I say this because according to Bible scholars, the book of Ecclesiastes was written towards the end of Salomon’s life. Why have I told you these things?

I have told you these brief details because in them we find that without exception all of us will be tempted or seduced to abandon God’s truth. This of course is the first danger that faces all believers, and this happens largely in part because of the mistakes that we make. The truth of it all is that all of us make numerous mistakes; however, in the verses that we are studying today we find the three most common ones. Let’s continue now with our study to discover them.