Pre-interview reading

The reading: Ecclesiastes 5

The setting: pre-nephrology multi-speciality interviews, knowing there's 20 applicants shortlisted for this and only 10 jobs for 1st year Advanced Trainees.

Verses that stood out (actually the whole passage did):

"Do not be rash with your mouth, and let your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; therefore let your words be few. For a dream comes through much activity, and a fools voice is known by his many words." v2-3

"When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; for He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed-" v4

"Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, nor say before the messenger of God that it was an error.." v6a

"For in the multitude of dreams and many words there is also vanity. But fear God." v7

"As he came from his mother's womb, naked shall he return, to go as he came; and he shall take nothing from his labor which he may carry away in his hand" v15

"Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage.
As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor-this is the gift of God.
For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart." v 18-20

A superficial reading through this brought home the following to me:
1. To be transparent in my words and honest and forthright, not just in the interviews but also when I start work - wherever that may be.
2. To always DO more than I SAY
3. To not make excuses, especially after over-promising something
4. To keep the fear of the Lord in my life
5. To strive for works that are everlasting, and not those that are mortal
6. To be content with my lot, whether rich or poor or in between, being the gift of God (the gift not being the situation of being poor or rich etc, but the part about keeping myself busy with the joy of His heart)