Thoughts from the past while

Over the last while, I've been pondering some verses from Ecclesiastes. I realize that this is not the most inspiring book of the Bible, but this particular section has caused me to think a lot these days. 

"Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. ... When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. ... Therefore stand in awe of God." Eccl 5:1-2, 4-5, 7b

These words have challenged me to think about what I say to God especially in terms of making commitments or promises that I know I can't or won't keep. It seems that in corporate prayer it's easy to say things that will impress others even if it's merely words with no meaning. And singing hits me even more. The first time or so through a song the words are potent and alive and the song means something. But after singing it a number of times, the words lose their meaning and the song becomes a melody with words which could be a bunch of nonsensical sounds. 

I am trying to "go near to listen" and be in God's presence rather than bringing a "sacrifice of fools". I need to "stand in awe of God" in the sanctuary and in the presence of His people as well as in the creation around which I love and displays His power and glory to me over and over again.