Ecclesiastes 5:7

7 For when dreams increase, empty words grow many: but do you 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 pay.
6 Let not 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 voice, and destroy the work of your hands?
7 For when dreams increase, empty words grow many: but do you fear God.
8 If you see in a province the poor oppressed and justice and right violently taken away, 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 in all, a king is an advantage to a land with cultivated fields.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the 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.