Introduction

Ecclesiastes 5 opens with a solemn call to reverence in the presence of God. Solomon instructs his readers to guard their steps when entering the house of God, urging them to listen and obey rather than rush into offering sacrifices without understanding, since fools offer empty ritual without genuine devotion (verse 1). He warns against being hasty with words or vows spoken before God, reminding his audience that God is in heaven while they are on earth, and therefore their words should be few and carefully considered (verses 2 to 3).

This leads to specific instruction regarding vows made to God. Solomon warns that when a vow is made, it must be fulfilled without delay, since God takes no pleasure in fools who make careless promises (verse 4). He states that it is better not to vow at all than to vow and fail to keep it (verse 5). He further cautions against allowing careless words to bring guilt, warning that excuses will not shield a person from God’s displeasure and potential judgment upon their efforts (verses 6 to 7).

The chapter then transitions to observations about social injustice and economic pursuits. Solomon acknowledges that oppression of the poor and perversion of justice within a province should not cause excessive astonishment, since layers of authority and self interest often obscure true accountability, though ultimately one higher than all watches over these matters, pointing to God’s sovereign oversight (verses 8 to 9).

Solomon then addresses the futility of the love of money and material accumulation. He states that whoever loves silver will never be satisfied with silver, and this too is vanity (verse 10). As possessions increase, so do the number of people who consume them, leaving the owner with no true advantage besides watching it with his eyes (verse 11). He observes that the laborer sleeps peacefully whether he eats little or much, while the abundance of the wealthy often disturbs his sleep through anxiety (verse 12).

Solomon further describes a specific and painful example of wealth’s futility, namely riches kept by their owner to his own harm, only to be lost through unfortunate circumstances, leaving nothing for his heirs (verses 13 to 14). He reflects on the reality that a person enters the world with nothing and will likewise leave with nothing, unable to carry any of his labor’s profit in his hand (verse 15). This becomes another source of sorrow, since the person labors for wind, gaining nothing tangible for eternity, often accompanied by sorrow, anger, and sickness (verses 16 to 17).

The chapter concludes on a more hopeful note similar to the closing of chapters 2 and 3. Solomon affirms that it is good and fitting for a person to eat, drink, and find enjoyment in their labor during the days of life that God has given them, recognizing this as their portion (verse 18). He adds that when God grants someone wealth and the capacity to enjoy it, along with the ability to find satisfaction in their labor, this itself is a gift from God (verse 19). Such a person does not dwell excessively on the brevity of life, because God keeps them occupied with the joy in their heart (verse 20).

Chapter 5

Important Verses

• Ecclesiastes 5:2 “Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.” This verse emphasizes the appropriate reverence and humility believers should maintain when approaching God, recognizing His transcendence.
• Ecclesiastes 5:5 “Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.” This verse warns against making careless commitments to God, stressing the importance of integrity in one’s spiritual commitments.
• Ecclesiastes 5:10 “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.” This verse succinctly captures the futility of pursuing wealth as a source of ultimate satisfaction.
• Ecclesiastes 5:19 “Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.” This verse highlights that the true source of contentment and enjoyment in life comes from God’s gracious provision, not from human effort alone.