What does "fear God" mean in the context of Ecclesiastes 5:7? Setting the Verse Ecclesiastes 5:7: “For as many dreams bring futility, so do many words. Therefore, fear God.” In the surrounding verses (5:1-6), Solomon urges caution when entering God’s house, restraint in speech, and faithfulness in keeping vows. Verse 7 sums it up in two words: “fear God.” What “Fear God” Means Here – Reverent Awe: • Recognizing God’s absolute holiness and majesty (Isaiah 6:1-5; Psalm 99:1-3). – Humble Submission: • Accepting that “God is in heaven and you are on earth” (Ecclesiastes 5:2); He is Creator, we are creatures. – Careful Obedience: • Doing what we promise (Ecclesiastes 5:4-6; Deuteronomy 10:12-13). – Guarded Speech: • Letting words be few and sincere, not empty or manipulative (Proverbs 10:19; Matthew 6:7). – Whole-life Accountability: • Living with the awareness that every deed and word will be weighed by God (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; 1 Peter 1:17). Practical Expressions Today • Approach worship with preparation and seriousness, not casual routine. • Keep vows—marriage, church membership, financial promises—because God heard them. • Speak truthfully and economically; avoid flattery, exaggeration, rash opinions. • Let God’s Word, not personal preference, set the agenda for decisions (Psalm 119:105). • Cultivate daily awe—pause to remember His greatness before acting or speaking. Why It Matters • Guards us from empty religion: many words + many dreams = vanity without obedience. • Produces wisdom: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). • Nurtures holiness: “Perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1). • Anchors joy: fearing God and keeping His commandments is “the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Related Passages – Proverbs 1:7; 14:26-27 – Fear as foundation and refuge – Psalm 111:10 – Fear and understanding – Hebrews 12:28-29 – Worship with reverence and awe – Acts 9:31 – Fear of the Lord and comfort of the Holy Spirit together Takeaway To “fear God” in Ecclesiastes 5:7 is to live in constant, reverent awareness of who He is—holy, sovereign, faithful—and to let that awareness shape every word spoken and every promise made. |
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