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

Other Translations of Ecclesiastes 5:4

King James Version

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.

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.

5 It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.

Other Translations of Ecclesiastes 5:5

King James Version

5 Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.

English Standard Version

5 It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay.

The Message

5 Far better not to vow in the first place than to vow and not pay up.

New King James Version

5 Better not to vow than to vow and not pay.

New Living Translation

5 It is better to say nothing than to make a promise and not keep it.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:5

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.

6 Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, "My vow was a mistake." Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands?

Other Translations of Ecclesiastes 5:6

King James Version

6 Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?

English Standard Version

6 Let not your mouth lead youHebrew your flesh into sin, and do not say before the messengerOr angel that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice and destroy the work of your hands?

The Message

6 Don't let your mouth make a total sinner of you. When called to account, you won't get by with "Sorry, I didn't mean it." Why risk provoking God to angry retaliation?

New King James Version

6 Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, nor say before the messenger of God that it was an error. Why should God be angry at your excuse and destroy the work of your hands?

New Living Translation

6 Don't let your mouth make you sin. And don't defend yourself by telling the Temple messenger that the promise you made was a mistake. That would make God angry, and he might wipe out everything you have achieved.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:6

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.