3 A dream comes when there are many cares, and many words mark the speech of a fool.

Other Translations of Ecclesiastes 5:3

King James Version

3 For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words.

English Standard Version

3 For a dream comes with much business, and a fool's voice with many words.

The Message

3 Over-work makes for restless sleep. Over-talk shows you up as a fool.

New King James Version

3 For a dream comes through much activity, And a fool's voice is known by his many words.

New Living Translation

3 Too much activity gives you restless dreams; too many words make you a fool.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:3

Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:1-3

(Read Ecclesiastes 5:1-3)

Address thyself to the worship of God, and take time to compose thyself for it. Keep thy thoughts from roving and wandering: keep thy affections from running out toward wrong objects. We should avoid vain repetitions; copious prayers are not here condemned, but those that are unmeaning. How often our wandering thoughts render attendance on Divine ordinances little better than the sacrifice of fools! Many words and hasty ones, used in prayer, show folly in the heart, low thoughts of God, and careless thoughts of our own souls.