Talk Can Be Vain

“The more words, the more vanity, and what is the advantage to man?” (Ecclesiastes 6:11)

The NIV translates this verse, “The more the words, the less the meaning.” In other words, often, the more we talk, the less we understand. Conversation can lead us to truth, but conversation is two-way and Solomon here is referring to a one-way talker.

Ever met someone like this? Someone who just talks, and then talks, and then talks some more. They are always talking. They are always interrupting others so they can talk. They answer questions before the other is done asking. They insert words in other’s people sentences before that person is done talking (guilty as charged by the way).

With much talk is much vanity, Solomon says.

But why?

In James 1:19, we are given this counsel, “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” My paraphrase would be this: listen up, shut up, and calm down.

A good and patient listener shows humility, because they express to the other talker they want to hear what they have to say. A humble listener doesn’t want to insert agendas, or dominate the conversation, or “tell their story” without hearing the matter.

Humble listeners are not prideful talkers.