Ecclesiastes 5:5
It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.
It is better
The phrase "It is better" sets a comparative standard, emphasizing the wisdom of choosing the lesser of two potential actions. In the Hebrew text, the word "tov" (טוֹב) is used, which means "good" or "better." This word often conveys a sense of moral or practical superiority. The author, traditionally understood to be Solomon, is imparting wisdom that aligns with the broader biblical principle of integrity and truthfulness. In a world where words can be easily spoken but not always honored, this phrase calls believers to a higher standard of accountability and discernment.

not to vow
The act of making a vow in ancient Israel was a serious commitment, often made in the context of a covenant with God. The Hebrew word for vow, "neder" (נֶדֶר), implies a solemn promise or pledge. In the cultural and religious context of the Old Testament, vows were not to be taken lightly, as they were binding before God. This phrase suggests that it is wiser to refrain from making a vow if there is any doubt about one's ability to fulfill it, highlighting the importance of sincerity and forethought in one's commitments.

than to make a vow
This part of the verse contrasts the previous statement, emphasizing the gravity of making a vow. The act of making a vow was often accompanied by rituals or sacrifices, underscoring its seriousness. In the biblical context, vows were made to God as acts of worship or in seeking divine favor. The phrase serves as a caution against rash or impulsive promises, reminding believers that their words hold weight and should be considered carefully.

and not fulfill it
The failure to fulfill a vow is presented as a significant moral and spiritual failing. The Hebrew root "shalam" (שָׁלַם), meaning "to complete" or "to fulfill," is used here, indicating the expectation of bringing a vow to its intended conclusion. In the biblical narrative, unfulfilled vows were seen as acts of deceit and disrespect towards God, who is the ultimate witness to all promises. This phrase underscores the importance of faithfulness and reliability, virtues that are central to a life of integrity and devotion to God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
- Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings. His reflections in Ecclesiastes offer insights into the human condition and the pursuit of meaning.

2. Israel
- The nation to whom the wisdom literature, including Ecclesiastes, was originally addressed. The cultural and religious context of Israel included practices of making vows to God.

3. Temple Worship
- In the context of ancient Israel, vows were often made in the context of temple worship, where individuals would promise offerings or actions to God.
Teaching Points
The Seriousness of Vows
Making a vow is a serious commitment before God. It is not to be taken lightly or made impulsively. Understanding the gravity of a vow can prevent rash promises that one cannot keep.

Integrity in Speech
Our words should reflect our integrity. Whether in vows or everyday speech, Christians are called to be truthful and reliable, reflecting God's character.

Avoiding Rash Promises
It is better to refrain from making a promise than to make one and fail to fulfill it. This teaches us to be thoughtful and deliberate in our commitments.

Reflecting on Motives
Before making a vow, consider the motives behind it. Are we seeking to honor God, or are we driven by personal gain or pressure from others?

Trusting in God's Sovereignty
Recognize that our ability to fulfill vows is ultimately dependent on God's grace and provision. Trust in His sovereignty as we make commitments.
Bible Study Questions
1. What are some modern-day equivalents of vows, and how can we ensure we fulfill them?

2. How does understanding the cultural context of vows in ancient Israel enhance our interpretation of Ecclesiastes 5:5?

3. In what ways can we apply the principle of integrity in speech to our daily interactions?

4. How do the teachings of Jesus and James on oaths and vows complement the message of Ecclesiastes 5:5?

5. Reflect on a time when you made a commitment to God or others. What steps did you take to ensure you fulfilled it, and what challenges did you face?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 23:21-23
- This passage emphasizes the importance of fulfilling vows made to the Lord, highlighting the seriousness with which God views promises.

Matthew 5:33-37
- Jesus teaches about oaths, advising against making them lightly and emphasizing the importance of honesty and integrity in speech.

James 5:12
- James echoes Jesus' teaching, urging believers to let their "yes" be yes and their "no" be no, to avoid falling into judgment.
Behaviour in ChurchHomilistEcclesiastes 5:1-12
Reverence and FidelityDe Wm. S. Clark.Ecclesiastes 5:1-12
Reverence and FidelityD. J. Burrell, D. D.Ecclesiastes 5:1-12
The Prayer and the DreamJ. Bonnet.Ecclesiastes 5:1-12
Of Remembering and Keeping Our VowsJ. Slade, M. A.Ecclesiastes 5:4-5
The Law of the VowD. Thomas Ecclesiastes 5:4, 5
The VowJ. Bonnet.Ecclesiastes 5:4-5
Vowing and PayingW. Clarkson Ecclesiastes 5:4-6
Vanity in Religion: 3. Broken VowsJ. Willcock Ecclesiastes 5:4-7
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Better, Complete, Fulfill, Oath, Pay, Shouldest, Shouldst, Vow
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ecclesiastes 5:5

     5468   promises, human

Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

     5468   promises, human

Ecclesiastes 5:4-6

     5741   vows

Library
Naked or Clothed?
'As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.'--ECCLES. v. 15. '... Their works do follow them.'--REV. xiv. 13. It is to be observed that these two sharply contrasted texts do not refer to the same persons. The former is spoken of a rich worldling, the latter of 'the dead who die in the Lord.' The unrelieved gloom of the one is as a dark background against which the triumphant assurance of
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Lessons for Worship and for Work
'Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. 2. Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth; therefore let thy words be few. 3. For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words. 4. When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for He hath
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Things to be Meditated on as Thou Goest to the Church.
1. That thou art going to the court of the Lord, and to speak with the great God by prayer; and to hear his majesty speak unto thee by his word; and to receive his blessing on thy soul, and thy honest labour, in the six days past. 2. Say with thyself by the way--"As the hart brayeth for the rivers of water, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, even for the living God: When shall I come and appear before the presence of God? For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Literature.
i. editions of chrysostom's works. S. Joannis Chrysostomi, archiepiscopi Constantinopolitani, Opera omnia quæ exstant vel quæ ejus nomine circumferuntur, ad mss. codices Gallicos, Vaticanos, Anglicos, Germanicosque castigata, etc. Opera et studio D.Bernardi de Montfaucon, monachi ordinis S. Benedicti e congregatione S. Mauri, opem ferentibus aliis ex codem sodalitio, monachis. Greek and Latin, Paris, 1718-'38, in 13 vols., fol. This is the best edition, and the result of about twenty
St. Chrysostom—On the Priesthood

Ninth Day for God's Spirit on Our Mission Work
WHAT TO PRAY.--For God's Spirit on our Mission Work "The evangelisation of the world depends first of all upon a revival of prayer. Deeper than the need for men--ay, deep down at the bottom of our spiritless life, is the need for the forgotten secret of prevailing, world-wide prayer." "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul. Then when they had fasted and prayed, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed."--ACTS
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

Thoughts Upon Worldly-Riches. Sect. Ii.
TIMOTHY after his Conversion to the Christian Faith, being found to be a Man of great Parts, Learning, and Piety, and so every way qualified for the work of the Ministry, St. Paul who had planted a Church at Ephesus the Metropolis or chief City of all Asia, left him to dress and propagate it, after his departure from it, giving him Power to ordain Elders or Priests, and to visit and exercise Jurisdiction over them, to see they did not teach false Doctrines, 1 Tim. i. 3. That they be unblameable in
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life

There is a Blessedness in Reversion
Blessed are the poor in spirit. Matthew 5:3 Having done with the occasion, I come now to the sermon itself. Blessed are the poor in spirit'. Christ does not begin his Sermon on the Mount as the Law was delivered on the mount, with commands and threatenings, the trumpet sounding, the fire flaming, the earth quaking, and the hearts of the Israelites too for fear; but our Saviour (whose lips dropped as the honeycomb') begins with promises and blessings. So sweet and ravishing was the doctrine of this
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

How to be Admonished are those who Give Away what is their Own, and those who Seize what Belongs to Others.
(Admonition 21.) Differently to be admonished are those who already give compassionately of their own, and those who still would fain seize even what belongs to others. For those who already give compassionately of their own are to be admonished not to lift themselves up in swelling thought above those to whom they impart earthly things; not to esteem themselves better than others because they see others to be supported by them. For the Lord of an earthly household, in distributing the ranks and
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Covenanting Confers Obligation.
As it has been shown that all duty, and that alone, ought to be vowed to God in covenant, it is manifest that what is lawfully engaged to in swearing by the name of God is enjoined in the moral law, and, because of the authority of that law, ought to be performed as a duty. But it is now to be proved that what is promised to God by vow or oath, ought to be performed also because of the act of Covenanting. The performance of that exercise is commanded, and the same law which enjoins that the duties
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Ecclesiastes
It is not surprising that the book of Ecclesiastes had a struggle to maintain its place in the canon, and it was probably only its reputed Solomonic authorship and the last two verses of the book that permanently secured its position at the synod of Jamnia in 90 A.D. The Jewish scholars of the first century A.D. were struck by the manner in which it contradicted itself: e.g., "I praised the dead more than the living," iv. 2, "A living dog is better than a dead lion," ix. 4; but they were still more
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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