What is the meaning of Ecclesiastes 5:5? It is better… • Solomon begins by highlighting a clear comparison: one choice is “better” than the other. Scripture often uses this device to steer us toward wisdom—“Better a patient man than a warrior” (Proverbs 16:32). • “Better” here points to God’s view of righteousness, not mere convenience. Psalm 37:16 says, “Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many wicked,” reminding us that moral integrity outweighs outward show. • The Lord values truthful, carefully weighed words; thus, Jesus teaches, “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’” (Matthew 5:37). not to vow • Scripture never forbids vows, but it cautions against making them lightly. Deuteronomy 23:22 states, “But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty of sin.” • Vows are voluntary. Numbers 30:2 underscores that once a vow is uttered, it binds the speaker: “He must not break his word but must do everything he has promised.” • Proverbs 20:25 warns, “It is a snare for a man to consecrate something rashly and only later to reconsider his vows.” Refusing a rash promise keeps us free from that trap. than to make a vow • A vow elevates ordinary speech to a sacred promise, placing one’s word directly before God (see Genesis 28:20-22, Jacob at Bethel). • Because vows invoke divine witness, they demand utmost seriousness. Jephthah’s tragic oath in Judges 11:30-35 shows the peril of impulsive pledges. • Jesus effectively redirects believers from casual oath-taking to simple truthfulness (Matthew 5:34-35: “Do not swear at all… by heaven, for it is God’s throne”). and not fulfill it. • Breaking a vow is sin. Deuteronomy 23:21: “If you make a vow to the LORD your God, you must not delay to pay it, for the LORD your God will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of sin.” • Psalm 15:4 commends the person “who keeps his oath, even when it hurts,” showing that fulfillment may be costly yet remains obligatory. • New-Testament examples underline the same standard. Ananias and Sapphira’s deceit about their gift (Acts 5:1-11) brought swift judgment because they lied to God after pledging the proceeds. • James 5:12 echoes Ecclesiastes: “Above all, my brothers, do not swear… so that you will not fall under judgment.” God’s character is perfectly faithful; His people must mirror that faithfulness. summary Ecclesiastes 5:5 calls believers to safeguard their integrity by guarding their promises. Scripture teaches that no vow is required, but every vow is binding. Better to remain silent than to speak grandly and fail, for God hears every word and expects His children to reflect His steadfast reliability. |
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