Solomon's fivefold repetition of "God" in verses 2-4 creates an ascending intensity that mirrors the vertical distance he emphasizes between heaven and earth.
Ecclesiastes 5
Reverence in Worship and Vows
1Guard your steps when you go to God’s house; for to draw near to listen is better than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they don’t know that they do evil.
2Don’t be rash with your mouth, and don’t let your heart be hasty to utter anything before God; for God is in heaven, and you on earth. Therefore let your words be few.
3For as a dream comes with a multitude of cares, so a fool’s speech with a multitude of words.
4When you vow a vow to God, don’t defer to pay it; for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay that which you vow.
5It is better that you should not vow, than that you should vow and not pay.
6Don’t allow your mouth to lead you into sin. Don’t protest before the messenger that this was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice, and destroy the work of your hands?
7For in the multitude of dreams there are vanities, as well as in many words; but you must fear God.
The Vanity of Wealth and Its Burdens
8If you see the oppression of the poor, and the violent taking away of justice and righteousness in a district, don’t marvel at the matter, for one official is eyed by a higher one, and there are officials over them.
9Moreover the profit of the earth is for all. The king profits from the field.
10He who loves silver shall not be satisfied with silver, nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity.
11When goods increase, those who eat them are increased; and what advantage is there to its owner, except to feast on them with his eyes?
12The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eats little or much; but the abundance of the rich will not allow him to sleep.
Enjoying God's Gifts in Life
13There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun: wealth kept by its owner to his harm.
14Those riches perish by misfortune, and if he has fathered a son, there is nothing in his hand.
15As he came out of his mother’s womb, naked shall he go again as he came, and shall take nothing for his labor, which he may carry away in his hand.
16This also is a grievous evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go. And what profit does he have who labors for the wind?
17All his days he also eats in darkness, he is frustrated, and has sickness and wrath.
18Behold, that which I have seen to be good and proper is for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy good in all his labor, in which he labors under the sun, all the days of his life which God has given him; for this is his portion.
19Every man also to whom God has given riches and wealth, and has given him power to eat of it, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God.
20For he shall not often reflect on the days of his life, because God occupies him with the joy of his heart.
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Theme
Ecclesiastes 5 addresses proper reverence toward God in worship and vow-making, warning against hasty words and unfulfilled promises. The Teacher then examines the futility of wealth, observing how riches often burden rather than satisfy their owners, and how corruption pervades systems of justice. Despite these sobering realities, the chapter concludes with a positive note, encouraging readers to find joy in simple pleasures—eating, drinking, and meaningful work—as gifts from God's hand.
Context
This chapter continues the Teacher's practical wisdom from chapter 4, moving from social relationships to religious duties and economic realities, while introducing the recurring theme of enjoying God's gifts that will appear throughout the remaining chapters.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1-7 Reverence in Worship and Vows Instructions for approaching God with careful words, fulfilled vows, and proper fear rather than foolish speech or empty promises.
- 8-9 Corruption in Government Observation that oppression and injustice occur through hierarchical systems where officials watch and exploit one another.
- 10-17 The Vanity of Wealth Extended reflection on how the pursuit and accumulation of riches leads to dissatisfaction, anxiety, and ultimate loss.
- 18-20 Enjoying God's Gifts Positive counsel to find contentment in simple pleasures of food, drink, and labor as divine gifts that bring joy.
Reverence in Worship and Vows
5:1–5:7 wisdom instruction solemn
The Teacher provides guidance on proper worship and making vows to God, emphasizing reverence, careful speech, and faithful fulfillment of promises. He warns against rash words and unfulfilled vows before God.
structural
Solomon's fivefold repetition of "God" in verses 2-4 creates an ascending intensity that mirrors the vertical distance he emphasizes between heaven and earth.
The Vanity of Wealth and Its Burdens
5:8–5:12 wisdom instruction contemplative
The Teacher observes that wealth brings no satisfaction and that the sleep of laborers is sweeter than that of the rich. He notes the corruption in government systems and the futility of pursuing material abundance.
structural
Solomon's paradox emerges as he declares "sweet is the sleep of the laborer" while simultaneously warning against the sleeplessness that accompanies his own royal wealth.
Enjoying God's Gifts in Life
5:13–5:20 wisdom instruction hopeful
The Teacher warns that hoarding wealth can harm its owner, but encourages enjoying God's gifts of food, drink, and satisfaction in one's work. He presents contentment in simple pleasures as God's gift to humanity.
theme_rarity
Ecclesiastes uniquely pairs the Hebrew words for "wealth" (עֹשֶׁר) and "gift" (מַתָּנָה) to contrast hoarding riches with receiving God's provision as grateful enjoyment.
Insights
Solomon's paradox emerges as he declares "sweet is the sleep of the laborer" while simultaneously warning against the sleeplessness that accompanies his own royal wealth.
Ecclesiastes uniquely pairs the Hebrew words for "wealth" (עֹשֶׁר) and "gift" (מַתָּנָה) to contrast hoarding riches with receiving God's provision as grateful enjoyment.