Ecclesiastes 5:7

7 With many dreams come vanities and a multitude of words; but fear God.

Ecclesiastes 5:7 Meaning and Commentary

Ecclesiastes 5:7

For in the multitude of dreams, and many words, [there are]
also [divers] vanities
Or as, "in a multitude of dreams, [there are] many vanities, [so] also in a multitude of words" F19; as dreams are vain things, or there are abundance of vain things that come into the mind in dreams; so vain and idle are the many excuses which are made for the non-performance of vows; or there are many vain things which are uttered in making of them, or in long prayers to God; or in discourses concerning him; to all which is opposed the fear of God; but fear thou God;
give no heed to dreams, nor to the many words of men, which are vain and foolish; but keep close to the word of God, and worship him internally and externally, in spirit and in truth; for herein lies the sum and substance of religion; see ( Ecclesiastes 12:13 ) ; The Targum is,

``for in the multitude of the dreams of the false prophets believe not, nor in the vanities of the authors of enchantments, and the many speeches of ungodly men; but serve the wise and just, and of them seek doctrine, and fear before the Lord;''
see ( Jeremiah 23:28 ) ;
FOOTNOTES:

F19 So Luther, Broughton, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Gejerus.

Ecclesiastes 5:7 In-Context

5 It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not fulfill it.
6 Do not let your mouth lead you into sin, and do not say before the messenger that it was a mistake; why should God be angry at your words, and destroy the work of your hands?
7 With many dreams come vanities and a multitude of words; but fear God.
8 If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and right, do not be amazed at the matter; for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet higher ones over them.
9 But all things considered, this is an advantage for a land: a king for a plowed field.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Meaning of Heb uncertain
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.