Ecclesiastes 5

Ecclesiastes 5 delves into the proper attitude toward God and wealth, emphasizing the importance of reverence and humility when approaching God in worship. The chapter also addresses the futility of placing trust in wealth and material possessions, reminding readers to focus on what truly matters in life.

Ecclesiastes 5:1 (NKJV)
1 Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil.

Be mindful and deliberate when approaching God. The emphasis is on listening and understanding rather than making empty offerings. Thoughtless religious acts are described as the "sacrifice of fools," showing that God values genuine humility and reverence over superficial rituals.

Ecclesiastes 5:2 (NKJV)
2 Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; therefore let your words be few.

This verse warns against speaking impulsively in prayer or making hasty promises to God. Recognizing the vast difference between God's majesty and human limitations, it is better to approach Him with few, thoughtful words, reflecting humility and reverence.

Ecclesiastes 5:3 (NKJV)
3 For a dream comes through much activity, and a fool’s voice is known by his many words.

Just as excessive busyness can lead to meaningless dreams, excessive talking without substance reveals foolishness. The contrast highlights the importance of meaningful actions and words, urging a thoughtful and deliberate approach in life and worship.

Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 (NKJV)
4 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—
5 Better not to vow than to vow and not pay.

Making a vow to God is a serious commitment. Delaying or failing to fulfill a vow is considered foolish. It’s better not to make a vow at all if there’s a risk of breaking it. God values sincerity and keeping one's word, showing the importance of integrity in our promises to Him.

Ecclesiastes 5:6-7 (NKJV)
6 Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, nor say before the messenger of God that it was an error. Why should God be angry at your excuse and destroy the work of your hands?
7 For in the multitude of dreams and many words there is also vanity. But fear God.

Be careful not to use words that lead to sin, and don’t make excuses for breaking promises. Empty excuses anger God, potentially leading to the undoing of one's efforts. The passage ends with a reminder that fear of God—reverence and respect for His authority—is the foundation of wisdom, not empty words or dreams.

Ecclesiastes 5:8 (NKJV)
8 If you see the oppression of the poor, and the violent perversion of justice and righteousness in a province, do not marvel at the matter; for high official watches over high official, and higher officials are over them.

Injustice and oppression often result from a hierarchy where officials protect their own interests. The verse advises not to be surprised by corruption in human systems, hinting at the inherent flaws in earthly governance and the need to trust in God’s ultimate justice.

Ecclesiastes 5:9 (NKJV)
9 Moreover the profit of the land is for all; even the king is served from the field.

Despite corruption, the land’s produce benefits everyone, including the king. This reminds readers of the interconnectedness of society. Though some may exploit power, basic resources, like food from the field, are essential for all, even rulers, showing a kind of equality in dependence on God’s provision.

Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 (NKJV)
10 He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity.
11 When goods increase, they increase who eat them; so what profit have the owners except to see them with their eyes?
12 The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eats little or much; but the abundance of the rich will not permit him to sleep.

The pursuit of wealth brings no lasting satisfaction. The more one accumulates, the more others consume or demand it. True rest and contentment come from simple, honest work, not from the anxiety and worry wealth brings. This points to the emptiness of a life focused on material gain.

Ecclesiastes 5:13-14 (NKJV)
13 There is a severe evil which I have seen under the sun: Riches kept for their owner to his hurt.
14 But those riches perish through misfortune; when he begets a son, there is nothing in his hand.

Hoarding wealth without purpose leads to harm. Riches can be easily lost due to misfortune, leaving nothing for the next generation. The temporary nature of wealth and the uncertainty of life highlight the futility of relying on material possessions.

Ecclesiastes 5:15 (NKJV)
15 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.

This verse reflects the universal truth that we enter and leave the world with nothing. No matter how much one accumulates, death strips away all material possessions. It reinforces the fleeting nature of earthly wealth and the need to focus on what is eternal.

Ecclesiastes 5:16-17 (NKJV)
16 And this also is a severe evil—just exactly as he came, so shall he go. And what profit has he who has labored for the wind?
17 All his days he also eats in darkness, and he has much sorrow and sickness and anger.

The futility of toiling for wealth is compared to chasing the wind. Despite all the effort, one gains nothing permanent. Those who focus solely on riches often live in misery, consumed by sorrow, frustration, and isolation, showing that wealth does not bring lasting fulfillment.

Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 (NKJV)
18 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.
19 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.
20 For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart.

The conclusion offers a positive perspective: enjoying the fruits of one’s labor is a gift from God. True joy comes from appreciating life’s simple pleasures, as God grants the ability to find contentment in work. Those who live with gratitude for God’s blessings are spared the burden of dwelling on life’s difficulties, as their hearts are filled with joy from God’s provision.