1 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.
2 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter [any] thing before God: for God [is] in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.
3 For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool’s voice [is known] by multitude of words.
4 When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for [he hath] no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.
5 Better [is it] that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.
6 Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it [was] an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?
7 For in the multitude of dreams and many words [there are] also [divers] vanities: but fear thou God.
8 If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for [he that is] higher than the highest regardeth; and [there be] higher than they.
9 Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king [himself] is served by the field.
10 He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this [is] also vanity.
11 When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good [is there] to the owners thereof, saving the beholding [of them] with their eyes?
12 The sleep of a labouring man [is] sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.
13 There is a sore evil [which] I have seen under the sun, [namely], riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.
14 But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and [there is] nothing in his hand.
15 As he came forth of his mother’s womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.
16 And this also [is] a sore evil, [that] in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind?
17 All his days also he eateth in darkness, and [he hath] much sorrow and wrath with his sickness.
18 Behold [that] which I have seen: [it is] good and comely [for one] to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it [is] his portion.
19 Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this [is] the gift of God.
20 For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth [him] in the joy of his heart.
Analysis of Ecclesiastes Chapter 5
Ecclesiastes Chapter 5 presents a rich tapestry of wisdom literature, emphasizing the importance of reverence, the futility of wealth, and the transient nature of life. The chapter can be divided into several key themes, each contributing to the overarching message of the book.
Key Themes
- Reverence in Worship
- The Dangers of Vows
- The Futility of Wealth
- The Transience of Life
Reverence in Worship
The chapter opens with a call to approach God with caution and respect. The author advises believers to be mindful when entering the house of God, emphasizing the importance of listening over speaking. This theme underscores the significance of humility and the need to recognize God’s sovereignty.
- Verse 1: “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God.” This indicates the need for careful consideration in worship.
- Verse 2: “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart.” This highlights the importance of thoughtful communication with God.
- Verse 3: “A dream comes when there are many cares.” This suggests that distractions can hinder genuine worship.
The Dangers of Vows
The chapter continues with a warning against making rash vows. The author emphasizes that it is better not to vow at all than to make a vow and fail to fulfill it. This reflects the seriousness of commitments made before God and the consequences of failing to honor them.
- Verse 4: “When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it.” This stresses the urgency of keeping promises.
- Verse 5: “It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.” This serves as a cautionary principle for believers.
The Futility of Wealth
The chapter further explores the theme of wealth and its limitations. The author reflects on the reality that riches do not guarantee happiness or fulfillment. Instead, they can lead to increased anxiety and dissatisfaction.
- Verse 10: “Whoever loves money never has enough.” This illustrates the insatiable nature of greed.
- Verse 11: “As goods increase, so do those who consume them.” This highlights the burdens that accompany wealth.
- Verse 12: “The sleep of a laborer is sweet.” This contrasts the peace found in honest work with the anxiety of the rich.
The Transience of Life
The chapter concludes with reflections on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. The author acknowledges that despite one’s wealth and achievements, all are ultimately subject to the same fate.
- Verse 15: “Naked a man comes from his mother’s womb, and as he comes, so he departs.” This reinforces the idea that material possessions are temporary.
- Verse 16: “This too is a grievous evil.” The author expresses the sorrow of realizing that wealth cannot be taken beyond the grave.
Conclusion
Ecclesiastes Chapter 5 serves as a profound reminder of the importance of reverence in worship, the dangers associated with vows, the futility of wealth, and the transient nature of life. The insights offered in this chapter encourage readers to cultivate a deeper understanding of their relationship with God and the world around them, ultimately leading to a more meaningful and reflective life.
