Ecclesiastes 5
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1Guard your steps when you go to God’s house; for to draw near to listen is better than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they don’t know that they do evil. 2Don’t be rash with your mouth, and don’t let your heart be hasty to utter anything before God; for God is in heaven, and you on earth. Therefore let your words be few. 3For as a dream comes with a multitude of cares, so a fool’s speech with a multitude of words. 4When you vow a vow to God, don’t defer to pay it; for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay that which you vow. 5It is better that you should not vow, than that you should vow and not pay. 6Don’t allow your mouth to lead you into sin. Don’t protest before the messenger that this was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice, and destroy the work of your hands? 7For in the multitude of dreams there are vanities, as well as in many words: but you must fear God. 8If you see the oppression of the poor, and the violent taking away of justice and righteousness in a district, don’t marvel at the matter: for one official is eyed by a higher one; and there are officials over them. 9Moreover the profit of the earth is for all. The king profits from the field. 10He who loves silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase: this also is vanity. 11When goods increase, those who eat them are increased; and what advantage is there to its owner, except to feast on them with his eyes? 12The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eats little or much; but the abundance of the rich will not allow him to sleep. 13There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun: wealth kept by its owner to his harm. 14Those riches perish by misfortune, and if he has fathered a son, there is nothing in his hand. 15As he came out of his mother’s womb, naked shall he go again as he came, and shall take nothing for his labor, which he may carry away in his hand. 16This also is a grievous evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go. And what profit does he have who labors for the wind? 17All his days he also eats in darkness, he is frustrated, and has sickness and wrath. 18Behold, that which I have seen to be good and proper is for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy good in all his labor, in which he labors under the sun, all the days of his life which God has given him; for this is his portion. 19Every man also to whom God has given riches and wealth, and has given him power to eat of it, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God. 20For he shall not often reflect on the days of his life; because God occupies him with the joy of his heart.
World English Bible (public domain)
“For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear.”
Ecclesiastes 5:7
Summary
Ecclesiastes 5 focuses on the importance of reverence and caution in approaching God, especially in the context of making vows. The chapter begins with an admonition to listen rather than to speak hastily in God's presence, acknowledging the significance of our words and commitments. It highlights the value of sincerity and the foolishness of thoughtless promises. The Teacher also addresses the futility of dreams and many words, emphasizing the need for integrity and simplicity in worship. The chapter proceeds to explore the injustices and oppressions observed in the world, reminding believers to maintain their trust in God's ultimate sovereignty despite these realities. The Teacher warns against the deceitfulness of wealth, arguing that prosperity does not guarantee peace or satisfaction. Instead, finding contentment in God's gifts and provisions is presented as the antidote to the endless pursuit of wealth. This passage underscores the themes of humility, simplicity, and contentment in the face of life's complexities. Lastly, the text reflects on the acceptance of life's impermanence, urging readers to appreciate life's modest joys while acknowledging the limits of human control. The theological significance lies in the call to live a life marked by integrity, worship from the heart, and trust in God's purposes amidst worldly uncertainties.
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Chapter outline
How Ecclesiastes 5 unfolds
Ecclesiastes 5:1–3 Approaching God with Care
The Teacher advises carefulness in approaching God's house, emphasizing that listening is more valuable than hasty sacrifices. This section highlights the importance of reverent speech and the folly of excessive words.
Ecclesiastes 5:4–6 The Weight of Vows
The Teacher warns against making vows to God without intention to fulfill them, stating that it is better not to vow at all. This underscores the seriousness of commitments made to God.
Ecclesiastes 5:7 Fear of God Amidst Vanities
The Teacher reiterates the need for reverence before God, connecting the futility of dreams and words to the importance of proper worship.
Ecclesiastes 5:8–10 Observing Injustice and Wealth
The Teacher reflects on social injustices and the insatiable nature of wealth, indicating that these realities can obscure justice and righteousness.
Ecclesiastes 5:11–14 The Burden of Wealth
An exploration of the burdensome nature of wealth is presented, showing that increased possessions often lead to increased worries and do not assure satisfaction.
Ecclesiastes 5:15–17 Life's Temporary Nature
The Teacher emphasizes the inevitability of death and the futility of laboring for wealth, reminding readers that one cannot take possessions beyond the grave.
Ecclesiastes 5:18–20 Enjoying Life's Good Gifts
The Teacher concludes with an encouragement to enjoy simple pleasures as gifts from God, suggesting that true contentment comes from recognizing these provisions.
Key verses
Ecclesiastes 5:7The key verse highlights the importance of reverence for God amidst the vanities of life, encapsulating the chapter's central message.
Main themes in Ecclesiastes 5
Reverence for God
The theme of reverence for God surfaces prominently in verses 1-7, where the Teacher emphasizes careful speech and the importance of listening. This theme is complicated by the acknowledgment of human folly and the dangers of hasty vows. Within the chapter, reverence invites a deeper understanding of worship and the need for sincerity in approaching God.
Integrity in Worship
Integrity in worship is highlighted in verses 4-6, where the Teacher warns against making empty vows to God. The text complicates this theme by revealing the disconnect between outward expressions and internal intentions. The chapter ultimately calls for authenticity in worship, urging believers to reflect their inner commitments in their actions.
Contentment
The theme of contentment emerges in verses 18-20, where the Teacher encourages enjoyment of life's simple pleasures as gifts from God. This theme develops by contrasting the burdens of wealth with the joy of appreciating daily provisions. Ultimately, the chapter advocates for finding contentment in what God provides rather than in material accumulation.
Futility of Wealth
The theme of the futility of wealth is woven throughout verses 10-17, illustrating the emptiness of pursuing riches without satisfaction. The Teacher complicates this theme by recognizing the societal structures that perpetuate injustice alongside wealth. Thus, the chapter presents wealth as a source of anxiety rather than fulfillment, prompting a reevaluation of priorities.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Ecclesiastes 5
- 1 Samuel 15This passage connects through the theme of obedience to God, highlighting the importance of heartfelt commitment over empty rituals.
- Matthew 6This passage echoes the futility of storing up treasures on earth, emphasizing the need to focus on spiritual rather than material wealth.
- Proverbs 4This text develops the idea of guarding one's heart and speech, aligning with the call for mindful worship and integrity.
- James 1This passage connects with the theme of being slow to speak, paralleling the exhortation to approach God with caution and reverence.
- Ecclesiastes 2This passage echoes the exploration of life's meaning, particularly the pursuit of pleasure and the ultimate dissatisfaction with wealth.
- Ecclesiastes 3This passage develops the recognition of time and seasons, resonating with the chapter's reflections on life's impermanence and enjoyment.
Study questions
Questions for studying Ecclesiastes 5
- What does the Teacher mean by the 'sacrifice of fools' in verse 1?
- How does the Teacher describe the relationship between wealth and satisfaction in verse 10?
- What implications does making a vow to God have according to verses 4-5?
- How does the Teacher connect oppression to the structure of authority in verses 8-9?
- What is the significance of fearing God as noted in verse 7?
- How does the Teacher suggest one cope with the burdens of wealth in verses 11-14?
- What does the Teacher identify as a gift from God in verses 18-20?
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