Ecclesiastes 5:7

7 For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness. Rather, ¹fear 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 ) ;

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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 pay.

6 Do not let your speech cause you to sin and do not say in the presence of the messenger of God that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry on account of your voice and destroy the work of your hands?

7 For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God.

8 If you see oppression of the poor and denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be shocked at the sight; for one official watches over another official, and there are higher officials over them.

9 After all, a king who cultivates the field is an advantage to the land.

Cross References

• 1. Ecclesiastes 3:14; Ecclesiastes 7:18; Ecclesiastes 8:12, 13; Ecclesiastes 12:13

Footnotes

• [a] Lit "vanity"
• [b] Or "revere"