What does Ecclesiastes 5:6 mean?
What is the meaning of Ecclesiastes 5:6?

Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin

“Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin” (Ecclesiastes 5:6a).

• Scripture repeatedly links careless speech to sinful action. Proverbs 10:19 warns that “when words are many, transgression is unavoidable,” and James 3:5-6 shows how a small tongue can set the whole course of life on fire.

• When we speak rashly—especially in making vows—we bind ourselves to follow through (Numbers 30:2; Deuteronomy 23:21-23). Failing to keep those promises drags our whole person (“flesh”) into sin.

• Jesus intensifies the caution: “By your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37).

Practical takeaway:

– Think before promising.

– Let speech be “Yes, yes” or “No, no” (Matthew 5:37).

– Invite the Spirit to bridle the tongue daily (Psalm 141:3).


and do not tell the messenger that your vow was a mistake

Temple worshipers in Solomon’s day might send a representative (“messenger”) from the priests to collect a vowed offering. Reneging felt tempting once the emotion of worship cooled. Ecclesiastes forbids saying, “My vow was a mistake.”

Proverbs 20:25 calls it a snare to dedicate something rashly and then reconsider.

Malachi 1:14 curses the worshiper who promises a choice animal but substitutes a blemished one.

Psalm 66:13-14 celebrates the opposite attitude—paying vows willingly.

Bullet points for today:

– Commitments to God (finances, service, relationships) are not negotiable after the fact.

– Honoring vows displays integrity before people and reverence before God (Psalm 15:4).


Why should God be angry with your words

Words matter to God because they reveal the heart (Luke 6:45). When vows become empty talk, He is not neutral.

Ecclesiastes 5:2 already cautions: “God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.”

• Ananias and Sapphira’s story shows divine anger over deceptive giving (Acts 5:3-5).

Isaiah 29:13 exposes lips that honor God while hearts are far away, provoking His displeasure.

Living it out:

– Examine motives before speaking.

– Confess and repent quickly when words outrun obedience (1 John 1:9).


and destroy the work of your hands

Broken vows invite tangible consequences. Scripture links covenant unfaithfulness with fruitless labor.

Haggai 1:5-11 describes withheld blessings—crops failing, wages disappearing—because pledges to rebuild the temple were ignored.

Malachi 3:9-11 speaks of devourers eating harvests when offerings are withheld.

Psalm 127:1 reminds us that without the Lord’s favor, our toil is in vain.

Principles for believers:

– God still disciplines out of love (Hebrews 12:6), sometimes by frustrating plans until obedience is restored.

– Faithful follow-through invites His blessing on work (Proverbs 16:3).


summary

Ecclesiastes 5:6 presses us to match words with deeds. Rash speech can entangle the whole person in sin; backpedaling on promises angers God and undermines the fruit of our labor. Thoughtful, truthful, and obedient speech honors the Lord and safeguards the work He entrusts to us.

Why is it better not to vow than to break one, according to Ecclesiastes 5:5?
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