Why should we fear God when making promises, according to Ecclesiastes 5:6? Setting the Scene Ecclesiastes 5 drops us into the temple courts, where worshipers bring vows and offerings. Solomon pauses the hustle and gently warns: “Slow down—think before you speak.” In verse 6 he zeroes in on why reverent fear is essential whenever promises leave our lips. What Ecclesiastes 5:6 Says “Do not let your mouth lead you into sin, and do not protest before the messenger that your vow was a mistake. Why should God be angry with your words and destroy the work of your hands?” Reasons to Fear God When Making Promises • God takes every word seriously – Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” • A careless vow equals sin – “Do not let your mouth lead you into sin.” Words can trip us up faster than actions. • Excuses do not erase vows – “Do not protest … ‘It was a mistake.’” God listens beyond our loopholes. • Divine anger is real – “Why should God be angry with your words…?” The possibility of griefing the Almighty should sober any promise-maker. • Broken promises invite loss – “…and destroy the work of your hands.” Everything we’ve built can crumble under divine discipline. • Our witness is on the line – Numbers 30:2; Deuteronomy 23:21-23 teach that vows reflect God’s own truthfulness; breaking them distorts His image in us. • Accountability is immediate – The “messenger” (likely a priest or angelic representative) signifies God’s swift follow-up. No promise slips through celestial cracks. Scriptures That Echo the Same Warning • Proverbs 20:25 — “It is a snare for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later reconsider his vows.” • Matthew 5:33-37 — Jesus urges plain “Yes” or “No,” because “anything beyond this is from the evil one.” • James 5:12 — “…so that you will not fall under judgment.” • Acts 5:1-11 — Ananias and Sapphira show the fatal cost of insincere promises to God. Practical Takeaways for Everyday Life • Think prayerfully before pledging time, money, or service. • Keep promises promptly; delay can morph into disobedience. • Speak plainly—avoid exaggerated commitments to impress others. • If you’ve failed, confess and fulfill the vow as soon as possible (Psalm 50:14). • Let every promise remind you of God’s unbreakable covenant faithfulness. Closing Thoughts Ecclesiastes 5:6 isn’t meant to muzzle us but to mature us. Promises become holy ground the moment they’re voiced. A healthy fear of God guards our speech, anchors our integrity, and preserves the work of our hands. |
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