Ecclesiastes 5:5

5 It is better to make no promise at all than to make a promise and not keep it.

Ecclesiastes 5:5 Meaning and Commentary

Ecclesiastes 5:5

Better [is it] that thou shouldest not vow
For a vow is an arbitrary thing; a man is not bound to make it, and while he vows not, it is in his own power, and at his option, whether he will do this or that, or not; but when he has once vowed, he is then brought under an obligation, and must perform; see ( Acts 5:4 ) ; and therefore it is better not to vow; it is more acceptable to God, and, it is better for a man; than that thou shouldest vow and not pay;
for this shows great weakness and folly, levity and inconstancy, and is resented by the Lord.

Ecclesiastes 5:5 In-Context

3 Dreams come to people when they worry a lot. When foolish people talk, they use too many words.

4 When you make a promise to God, don't wait too long to carry it out. He isn't pleased with foolish people. So do what you have promised.

5 It is better to make no promise at all than to make a promise and not keep it.

6 Don't let your mouth cause you to sin. Don't object to the temple messenger. Don't say, "My promise was a mistake." Why should God be angry with what you say? Why should he destroy what you have done?

7 Dreaming too much and talking too much are meaningless. So have respect for God.