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Ecclesiastes 5

20 verses

TL;DR

Ecclesiastes 5 cautions against rash speech, foolish vows, and the vanity of wealth, urging reverence for God, prudence in promises, and contentment with what God gives.

Summary

The chapter opens with an admonition to approach the temple with reverence and readiness to listen, warning that foolish sacrifices do not please God. It urges restraint in speech, caution against making vows that one cannot keep, and condemns the prideful love of silver as vanity. The author speaks of the futility of labor and riches, noting that workers sleep sweetly but the rich are restless. He observes that wealth gathered for oneself ultimately returns to nothing, highlighting the transient nature of material gains. The text concludes by affirming that those who enjoy what God has given them are blessed, yet God answers them with joy in their hearts, mitigating their remembrance of life's hardships.

Outline
  1. Reverence in speech and vows to God
  2. The futility and vanity of wealth and labor
  3. God’s provision, human mortality, and contentment
Themes
Vanity and the futility of wealthReverence and fear of GodPrudence in speech and commitments
Keywords
vowfoolsilencewealthfearlabordream
People
Godangelkingpoor
Places
house of Godprovinceheavenearth
Things
vowsacrificesilverricheslaborsleepdream
Key Verses
  • Ecclesiastes 5:1: It sets the tone of reverent approach to worship and warns against foolish sacrifices.
  • Ecclesiastes 5:4: Highlights the importance of keeping vows and the disfavor God has for unkept promises.
  • Ecclesiastes 5:10: Illustrates the emptiness of a love for silver and abundance.
  • Ecclesiastes 5:18: Shows the value of enjoying the fruits of labor within God’s gift.
  • Ecclesiastes 5:20: Emphasizes God's joyful response to those who accept His provision.
Questions
  • Why does the author advise restraint in speech before God?
  • What does the text say about the relationship between vows and divine favor?
  • How does Ecclesiastes 5 portray the ultimate futility of wealth?
  • In what way does the chapter suggest we find contentment?
  • What role does fear of God play in the ethical conduct described?
Sentiment

negative
The tone is admonishing, warning against pride, foolishness, and the emptiness of materialism.