Ecclesiastes 5 Commentary: Approaching God and Wealth Wisely
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.
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.
For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool’s voice is known by multitude of words.
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.
Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.
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?
For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.
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.
Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king himself is served by the field.
He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.
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?
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.
There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.
But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand.
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.
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?
All his days also he eateth in darkness, and he hath much sorrow and wrath with his sickness.
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.
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.
For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.
Ecclesiastes 5 offers profound insights into our relationship with God, our words, our commitments, and our attitude toward wealth. Solomon, the author, explores the "under the sun" realities of life, urging us to approach these areas with wisdom and reverence. This chapter is especially relevant in today's world, where the pursuit of material possessions often overshadows spiritual realities. This commentary on Ecclesiastes 5 aims to unpack these truths, offering both scholarly understanding and practical application for a more fulfilling life.
Approaching God with Reverence (Ecclesiastes 5:1-3)
Ecclesiastes 5:1-3 begins with a caution: "Guard your steps when you go to the house of God." This isn't just about physical carefulness; it's a call to approach God with a mindful and obedient heart. It’s easy to fall into the trap of treating our interactions with God casually, but Solomon reminds us to be intentional and respectful.
Tony Evans notes that Solomon is considering the religious side of life here. We must approach God in obedience, not as fools. To "draw near to listen" is better than to offer the "sacrifice of fools" (Ecclesiastes 5:1). This means being more focused on hearing from God than on simply going through the motions of religious practice. It's about being present, attentive, and receptive to what God has to say.
Ecclesiastes 5:2 further emphasizes this point: "Do not be hasty to speak, or impulsive to make a speech before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth; therefore let your words be few." There's a vast difference in perspective and power between us and God. It is wise to be measured and thoughtful in our communication with Him. As Evans aptly puts it, "He’s up there, and you’re down here. Your brain doesn’t have as much to offer him as you might think it does." Instead of rushing in with demands or empty words, we should be "quick to hear" and "slow to speak." This speaks to the importance of humility and recognizing God's sovereignty.
Ecclesiastes 5:3 connects excessive talking with foolishness: "For the dream comes through much effort, and the voice of a fool through many words." Just as excessive labor can lead to confusing dreams, excessive words often reveal a lack of wisdom. The verse encourages us to be deliberate and thoughtful, valuing quality over quantity in our communication with God.
The Seriousness of Vows (Ecclesiastes 5:4-7)
Solomon shifts his focus to the matter of vows in Ecclesiastes 5:4-7. "When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it, for He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow." This isn't a suggestion; it's a strong exhortation. Vows were serious commitments in the ancient world, and God expects us to honor our promises.
Ecclesiastes 5:5 warns about the consequences of broken vows: "It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay." Breaking a vow isn't just a matter of personal integrity; it's a direct offense to God. It's a demonstration of disrespect and a disregard for the sacredness of our word.
Ecclesiastes 5:6 adds another layer to this warning: "Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, and do not say before the messenger that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry on account of your voice and destroy the work of your hands?" Here, Solomon cautions against making excuses for broken vows. Trying to explain away our failure to keep our word doesn't absolve us of responsibility. Instead, it can provoke God's anger and lead to negative consequences.
Verse 7 summarizes the section: "For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God." The key to avoiding the pitfalls of empty words and broken promises is to cultivate a healthy fear of God. This isn't a fear of terror, but a deep reverence and respect for His power, holiness, and justice.
The Reality of Oppression (Ecclesiastes 5:8-9)
In Ecclesiastes 5:8-9, Solomon turns his attention to the realities of social injustice. "If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and right, do not be amazed at the matter, for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet higher ones over them."
Solomon acknowledges that oppression and injustice are rampant in the world. He observes a system where those in power often exploit the vulnerable, and where corruption is pervasive. Instead of being shocked or surprised by this, Solomon suggests that we understand it as a consequence of living in a fallen world. As Tony Evans notes, "In a fallen world, those in power often do evil things. It was true then, and it’s true today."
However, Solomon also offers a glimmer of hope. He points out that even the highest officials are accountable to someone, and that there is a hierarchy of authority. While this doesn't eliminate injustice, it suggests that there are checks and balances in place, and that even the most powerful people are not above the law.
Ecclesiastes 5:9 offers a somewhat cynical observation: "But it is good for a land to have a king committed to cultivated fields." Even with corruption and injustice, a stable government that promotes agriculture and economic prosperity is better than chaos and anarchy.
The Futility of Greed (Ecclesiastes 5:10-17)
Ecclesiastes 5:10-17 delves into the dangers of materialism and the futility of chasing after wealth. "He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity." Solomon identifies a fundamental truth about greed: it is never satisfied. The more we accumulate, the more we want, creating a cycle of dissatisfaction and emptiness. As Tony Evans said, "It’s not wrong to have money, but it’s wrong to love it—to consider the material more important than the spiritual."
Ecclesiastes 5:11 illustrates another downside of wealth: "When good things increase, those who consume them increase. So what advantage is there to their owner except to look on?" The more we have, the more people come out of the woodwork to take a piece of it. Managing wealth becomes a burden, and the owner may find little personal enjoyment in it.
Ecclesiastes 5:12 offers a contrasting perspective: "Sweet is the sleep of a laboring man, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not allow him to sleep." The pursuit of wealth often leads to anxiety and sleeplessness. The simple joy of a good night's rest is often elusive for those who are consumed by their possessions.
Ecclesiastes 5:13-17 presents a series of tragic scenarios involving wealth. A person hoards riches to their own detriment, only to lose it all in a bad investment (Ecclesiastes 5:13-14). They come into the world with nothing and leave with nothing (Ecclesiastes 5:15). They spend their lives toiling and worrying, only to die miserable (Ecclesiastes 5:17). These examples serve as a stark warning against the dangers of making wealth the primary focus of our lives.
Enjoying God's Gifts with Gratitude (Ecclesiastes 5:18-20)
In the concluding verses of Ecclesiastes 5:18-20, Solomon offers a more balanced perspective. "Here is what I have seen to be good: it is fitting to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the labor with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life which God gives him; for this is his reward."
While acknowledging the futility of chasing after wealth, Solomon also recognizes the goodness of enjoying the simple pleasures of life. Eating, drinking, and finding satisfaction in our work are gifts from God, and we should receive them with gratitude. Tony Evans notes that Solomon has seen the good, the bad, and the ugly of life and declares, "It’s futility." Yet he also concludes that one should eat, drink, and experience good during the few days of life God has given him.
Ecclesiastes 5:19 emphasizes that the ability to enjoy these gifts is itself a blessing from God: "Moreover, as for every man to whom God has given riches and possessions, and given him power to enjoy them—to accept his lot and rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God." Not everyone is able to appreciate the good things in their lives. The ability to find joy and contentment is a special grace from God.
Ecclesiastes 5:20 concludes with a reminder to keep our focus on God: "For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart." When we are filled with gratitude and joy, we are less likely to be consumed by worry and anxiety. God keeps us busy with things that matter, filling our hearts with purpose and meaning.
Ultimately, Ecclesiastes 5 encourages us to approach God with reverence, honor our commitments, avoid the trap of greed, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life with gratitude. By keeping God at the center of our lives, we can find true contentment and fulfillment, even in a world filled with futility and injustice.
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.
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.
For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool’s voice is known by multitude of words.
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.
Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.
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?
For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.
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.
Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king himself is served by the field.
He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.
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?
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.
There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.
But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand.
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.
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?
All his days also he eateth in darkness, and he hath much sorrow and wrath with his sickness.
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.
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.
For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.
Ecclesiastes 5 offers profound insights into our relationship with God, our words, our commitments, and our attitude toward wealth. Solomon, the author, explores the "under the sun" realities of life, urging us to approach these areas with wisdom and reverence. This chapter is especially relevant in today's world, where the pursuit of material possessions often overshadows spiritual realities. This commentary on Ecclesiastes 5 aims to unpack these truths, offering both scholarly understanding and practical application for a more fulfilling life.
Approaching God with Reverence (Ecclesiastes 5:1-3)
Ecclesiastes 5:1-3 begins with a caution: "Guard your steps when you go to the house of God." This isn't just about physical carefulness; it's a call to approach God with a mindful and obedient heart. It’s easy to fall into the trap of treating our interactions with God casually, but Solomon reminds us to be intentional and respectful.
Tony Evans notes that Solomon is considering the religious side of life here. We must approach God in obedience, not as fools. To "draw near to listen" is better than to offer the "sacrifice of fools" (Ecclesiastes 5:1). This means being more focused on hearing from God than on simply going through the motions of religious practice. It's about being present, attentive, and receptive to what God has to say.
Ecclesiastes 5:2 further emphasizes this point: "Do not be hasty to speak, or impulsive to make a speech before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth; therefore let your words be few." There's a vast difference in perspective and power between us and God. It is wise to be measured and thoughtful in our communication with Him. As Evans aptly puts it, "He’s up there, and you’re down here. Your brain doesn’t have as much to offer him as you might think it does." Instead of rushing in with demands or empty words, we should be "quick to hear" and "slow to speak." This speaks to the importance of humility and recognizing God's sovereignty.
Ecclesiastes 5:3 connects excessive talking with foolishness: "For the dream comes through much effort, and the voice of a fool through many words." Just as excessive labor can lead to confusing dreams, excessive words often reveal a lack of wisdom. The verse encourages us to be deliberate and thoughtful, valuing quality over quantity in our communication with God.
The Seriousness of Vows (Ecclesiastes 5:4-7)
Solomon shifts his focus to the matter of vows in Ecclesiastes 5:4-7. "When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it, for He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow." This isn't a suggestion; it's a strong exhortation. Vows were serious commitments in the ancient world, and God expects us to honor our promises.
Ecclesiastes 5:5 warns about the consequences of broken vows: "It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay." Breaking a vow isn't just a matter of personal integrity; it's a direct offense to God. It's a demonstration of disrespect and a disregard for the sacredness of our word.
Ecclesiastes 5:6 adds another layer to this warning: "Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, and do not say before the messenger that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry on account of your voice and destroy the work of your hands?" Here, Solomon cautions against making excuses for broken vows. Trying to explain away our failure to keep our word doesn't absolve us of responsibility. Instead, it can provoke God's anger and lead to negative consequences.
Verse 7 summarizes the section: "For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God." The key to avoiding the pitfalls of empty words and broken promises is to cultivate a healthy fear of God. This isn't a fear of terror, but a deep reverence and respect for His power, holiness, and justice.
The Reality of Oppression (Ecclesiastes 5:8-9)
In Ecclesiastes 5:8-9, Solomon turns his attention to the realities of social injustice. "If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and right, do not be amazed at the matter, for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet higher ones over them."
Solomon acknowledges that oppression and injustice are rampant in the world. He observes a system where those in power often exploit the vulnerable, and where corruption is pervasive. Instead of being shocked or surprised by this, Solomon suggests that we understand it as a consequence of living in a fallen world. As Tony Evans notes, "In a fallen world, those in power often do evil things. It was true then, and it’s true today."
However, Solomon also offers a glimmer of hope. He points out that even the highest officials are accountable to someone, and that there is a hierarchy of authority. While this doesn't eliminate injustice, it suggests that there are checks and balances in place, and that even the most powerful people are not above the law.
Ecclesiastes 5:9 offers a somewhat cynical observation: "But it is good for a land to have a king committed to cultivated fields." Even with corruption and injustice, a stable government that promotes agriculture and economic prosperity is better than chaos and anarchy.
The Futility of Greed (Ecclesiastes 5:10-17)
Ecclesiastes 5:10-17 delves into the dangers of materialism and the futility of chasing after wealth. "He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity." Solomon identifies a fundamental truth about greed: it is never satisfied. The more we accumulate, the more we want, creating a cycle of dissatisfaction and emptiness. As Tony Evans said, "It’s not wrong to have money, but it’s wrong to love it—to consider the material more important than the spiritual."
Ecclesiastes 5:11 illustrates another downside of wealth: "When good things increase, those who consume them increase. So what advantage is there to their owner except to look on?" The more we have, the more people come out of the woodwork to take a piece of it. Managing wealth becomes a burden, and the owner may find little personal enjoyment in it.
Ecclesiastes 5:12 offers a contrasting perspective: "Sweet is the sleep of a laboring man, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not allow him to sleep." The pursuit of wealth often leads to anxiety and sleeplessness. The simple joy of a good night's rest is often elusive for those who are consumed by their possessions.
Ecclesiastes 5:13-17 presents a series of tragic scenarios involving wealth. A person hoards riches to their own detriment, only to lose it all in a bad investment (Ecclesiastes 5:13-14). They come into the world with nothing and leave with nothing (Ecclesiastes 5:15). They spend their lives toiling and worrying, only to die miserable (Ecclesiastes 5:17). These examples serve as a stark warning against the dangers of making wealth the primary focus of our lives.
Enjoying God's Gifts with Gratitude (Ecclesiastes 5:18-20)
In the concluding verses of Ecclesiastes 5:18-20, Solomon offers a more balanced perspective. "Here is what I have seen to be good: it is fitting to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the labor with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life which God gives him; for this is his reward."
While acknowledging the futility of chasing after wealth, Solomon also recognizes the goodness of enjoying the simple pleasures of life. Eating, drinking, and finding satisfaction in our work are gifts from God, and we should receive them with gratitude. Tony Evans notes that Solomon has seen the good, the bad, and the ugly of life and declares, "It’s futility." Yet he also concludes that one should eat, drink, and experience good during the few days of life God has given him.
Ecclesiastes 5:19 emphasizes that the ability to enjoy these gifts is itself a blessing from God: "Moreover, as for every man to whom God has given riches and possessions, and given him power to enjoy them—to accept his lot and rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God." Not everyone is able to appreciate the good things in their lives. The ability to find joy and contentment is a special grace from God.
Ecclesiastes 5:20 concludes with a reminder to keep our focus on God: "For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart." When we are filled with gratitude and joy, we are less likely to be consumed by worry and anxiety. God keeps us busy with things that matter, filling our hearts with purpose and meaning.
Ultimately, Ecclesiastes 5 encourages us to approach God with reverence, honor our commitments, avoid the trap of greed, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life with gratitude. By keeping God at the center of our lives, we can find true contentment and fulfillment, even in a world filled with futility and injustice.