Ecclesiastes 5:5 KJV

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 5:5

Better is it that thou shouldest not vow ,.... For a vow is an arbitrary thing; a man is not bound to make it, and while he vows not, it is in his own power, and at his option, whether he will do this or that, or not; but when he has once vowed, he is then brought under an obligation, and must perform; see Acts 5:4 ; and therefore it is better not to vow; it is more acceptable to God, and, it is better for a man; than that thou shouldest vow and not pay ; for this shows great... read more

Adam Clarke

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

Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, etc. - We are under constant obligations to live to God; no vow can make it more so. Yet, there may be cases in which we should bind ourselves to take up some particular cross, to perform some particular duty, to forego some particular attachment that does not tend to bring our souls nearer to God. Then, if fully determined, and strong in faith relative to the point, bind and hold fast; but if not fully, rationally, and conscientiously determined,... 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 5:5

Better is it that thou shouldest not vow . There is no harm in not vowing ( Deuteronomy 23:22 ); but a vow once made becomes of the nature of an oath, and its non-performance is a sin and sacrilege, and incurs the punishment of false swearing. We gather from the Talmud that frivolous excuses for the evasion of vows were very common, and called for stern repression, One sees this in our Lord's references ( Matthew 5:33-37 ; Matthew 23:16-22 ). St. Paul severely reprehends those women... 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 5:5

Better. See note on Ecclesiastes 2:24 . read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

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

5. (Deuteronomy 23:21; Deuteronomy 23:23). read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

The effect of rash vows 5:1-7An interlude of proverbs follows the personal section just concluded."The sacrifice of fools" in view (Ecclesiastes 5:1) is a rash vow, as is clear from what follows. Ecclesiastes 5:3 seems to compare the verbosity of a fool in making a rash vow to God and the endless dreams one often experiences after a very busy day. Much work generates many dreams, and a fool utters too many words. [Note: Kaiser, Ecclesiastes . . ., p. 75.] If a person makes a rash promise to God... read more