Ecclesiastes 5:4

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ecclesiastes 5:4-8

Four things we are exhorted to in these verses:? I. To be conscientious in paying our vows. 1. A vow is a bond upon the soul (Num. 30:2), by which we solemnly oblige ourselves, not only, in general, to do that which we are already bound to do, but, in some particular instances, to do that to do which we were not under any antecedent obligation, whether it respects honouring God or serving the interests of his kingdom among men. When, under the sense of some affliction (Ps. 66:14), or in the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 5:4

When thou vowest a vow unto God ,.... Or "if thou vowest" F18 כאשר תדר "si quid vovisti", V. L. , as the Vulgate Latin version; for vows are free and indifferent things, which persons may make or not; there is no precept for them in the word of God; instances and examples there are, and they may be lawfully made, when they are in the power of man to perform, and are not inconsistent with the will and word of God; they have been made by good men, and were frequent in former times;... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 5:4

When thou vowest a vow - When in distress and difficulty, men are apt to promise much to God if he will relieve them; but generally forget the vow when the distress or trouble is gone by. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

Section 6. Man's outward and secular life being unable to secure happiness and satisfaction, can these be found in popular religion? Religious exercises need the observation of strict rules, which are far from meeting with general attention. Koheleth proceeds to give instruction, in the form of maxims, concerning public worship, prayer, and vows. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 5:4

Koheleth passes on to give a warning concerning the making of vows, which formed a great feature in Hebrew religion, and was the occasion of much irreverence and profanity. When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it . There is here plainly a reminiscence of Deuteronomy 23:21-23 . Vows are not regarded as absolute duties which every one was obliged to undertake. They are of a voluntary nature, but when made are to be strictly performed. They might consist of a promise to dedicate... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Ecclesiastes 5:4

Ecclesiastes 5:4. When thou vowest a vow unto God When thou obligest thyself by a solemn promise to honour God, and serve the interest of his kingdom; or to do good to any of thy fellow-creatures in some particular way, to do which thou wast not under any antecedent obligation: when, for instance, under the sense of some affliction, or through thy desire of obtaining, or in thankfulness for having obtained, some particular mercy, thou hast vowed such a vow as this unto God, know that thou... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

5:1-10:20 MAKE THE MOST OF LIFE’S FRUSTRATIONSAdvice about religion (5:1-7)Among the many affairs of everyday life that the writer deals with is the matter of religious practices. First he warns that the offering of sacrifices is useless if the worshippers have no desire to listen to God’s word or obey it (5:1). Those thinking of making vows must consider their vows carefully before telling them to God. Too many words may lead to foolish vows, just as too much work can produce bad dreams... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Ecclesiastes 5:4

vowest a vow = makest a solemn vow. Figure of speech Polyptoton ( App-6 ). God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4 . pleasure. See note on "purpose", Ecclesiastes 3:1 , and App-76 . read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Ecclesiastes 5:4

Ecclesiastes 5:4. For he hath no pleasure in fools— For it is the property of fools to have no fixed will. Desvoeux. The Hebrew is, For no will in fools; and so the LXX render it. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Ecclesiastes 5:4

4. When thou vowest a vow unto God—Hasty words in prayer (Ecclesiastes 5:2; Ecclesiastes 5:3) suggest the subject of hasty vows. A vow should not be hastily made (Judges 11:35; 1 Samuel 14:24). When made, it must be kept (Psalms 76:11), even as God keeps His word to us (Exodus 12:41; Exodus 12:51; Joshua 21:45). read more

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