Ecclesiastes 5

CHAPTER 5

Stand in Awe of God (5:1–7)

1–3 The Teacher continues his comments on things that are meaningless; in this section he talks about meaningless worship. We must not go before God like fools¹¹ (verse 1), who think that offering a sacrifice will make up for the wrong in their lives¹² (see Proverbs 15:8; 21:27). Rather, we need to listen to what God says to us. More important than speaking to God is listening to Him; too often in our prayers we do all the talking (verse 2). And when we talk too much—even to God—we usually talk like fools¹³ (see Proverbs 10:19; 13:3; Matthew 6:5–8).

4–7 Of course, there is a time for speaking (Ecclesiastes 3:7); there is a time for making vows to God (verse 4). But, says the Teacher, let us not be hasty in making a vow, because any vow we make must be fulfilled (see Numbers 30:1–2and comment). A fool makes a vow rashly and then does not fulfill it; not to fulfill a vow is a SIN¹⁴ (verse 6). It is surely meaningless, says the Teacher, to make a vow and then not keep it.

Riches Are Meaningless (5:8–20)

8–9 It’s no wonder the poor are oppressed. Officials abuse their authority; each one takes some land for himself, usually with the connivance of the official above him. The king himself profits from the system. When a leader oppresses the poor, those under him are sure to do likewise.

10–12 Yet this desire for land and wealth is never satisfied (verse 10); one always craves more (see 1 Timothy 6:9–10,17–19). And with more wealth comes more anxiety—even loss of sleep (verse 12).

13–17 In these verses, the Teacher further describes the folly of storing up treasures on earth; it’s much better to store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19–21).

18–20 Here the Teacher repeats the observations he has made earlier (see Ecclesiastes 2:24–25; 3:12–13,22): it is good to enjoy the gifts that God has given us in life—including wealth and possessions (verse 19). If men and women seek to please God and do good day by day, He will keep them occupied with gladness of heart (verse 20). In saying this, the Teacher acknowledges that life can be satisfying—even if we cannot know its full meaning.