Ecclesiastes 5:1

1. Keep thy foot Behaviour is in the Bible frequently presented under the figure of walking and running. Keeping the feet implies caution in deportment, as opposed to a bold recklessness.

Ready to hear The remainder of this verse is difficult of translation. The rendering severely demanded by the Hebrew is, To obey is nearer as a way to God’s favour than to offer the sacrifice of the perverse, for they [who obey] have no consciousness of doing evil. In this construction some of the best scholars agree; and while it is the most careful translation, it is clear in its significance. Samuel said to Saul, “Obedience is better than sacrifice, and to hearken, than the fat of rams.”