4 When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.

Other Translations of Ecclesiastes 5:4

New International Version

4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow.

English Standard Version

4 When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow.

The Message

4 When you tell God you'll do something, do it - now. God takes no pleasure in foolish gabble. Vow it, then do it.

New King James Version

4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; For He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed--

New Living Translation

4 When you make a promise to God, don't delay in following through, for God takes no pleasure in fools. Keep all the promises you make to him.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:4

Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:4-8

(Read Ecclesiastes 5:4-8)

When a person made engagements rashly, he suffered his mouth to cause his flesh to sin. The case supposes a man coming to the priest, and pretending that his vow was made rashly, and that it would be wrong to fulfil it. Such mockery of God would bring the Divine displeasure, which might blast what was thus unduly kept. We are to keep down the fear of man. Set God before thee; then, if thou seest the oppression of the poor, thou wilt not find fault with Divine Providence; nor think the worse of the institution of magistracy, when thou seest the ends of it thus perverted; nor of religion, when thou seest it will not secure men from suffering wrong. But though oppressors may be secure, God will reckon for all.