Ecclesiastes 5:7

7 For, in the abundance of dreams both vanities and words abound; but fear thou 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 Better that thou do not vow, than that thou dost vow and dost not complete.

6 Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin, nor say before the messenger, that `it [is] an error,' why is God wroth because of thy voice, and hath destroyed the work of thy hands?

7 For, in the abundance of dreams both vanities and words abound; but fear thou God.

8 If oppression of the poor, and violent taking away of judgment and righteousness thou seest in a province, do not marvel at the matter, for a higher than the high is observing, and high ones [are] over them.

9 And the abundance of a land is for all. A king for a field is served.