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Ecclesiastes 5:4

Words and speechFaithfulness and loyaltyIntegrity

2 Do not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. After all, God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few.

3 As a dream comes through many cares, so the speech of a fool comes with many words.

When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow.

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

6 Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, and do not tell the messenger that your vow was a mistake. Why should God be angry with your words and destroy the work of your hands?

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Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow.
KJV
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.
WEB
When you vow a vow to God, don’t defer to pay it; for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay that which you vow.
ASV
When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou vowest.
DARBY
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.
BLB
When you vow a vow to God, you should not delay to fulfill it, for [there is] no delight in fools. What you have vowed, you must fulfill.
ÅB
Når du gjør Gud et løfte, så drøy ikke med å holde det, for han har ikke behag i dårer! Hold det du lover!
OTB
Når du gir et løfte til Gud, nøl ikke med å oppfylle det. Han har ingen glede i dårer; oppfyll det du lover.
B1930
Når du gjør Gud et løfte, så dryg ikke med å holde det, for han har ikke behag i dårer! Hold det du lover!

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Numbers 30:2

    If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised.

    Read in context

  • Matthew 5:33

    Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’

    Read in context

  • Deuteronomy 23:21–23

    If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to keep it, because He will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of sin.

    Read in context

  • Psalms 76:11

    Make and fulfill your vows to the LORD your God; let all the neighboring lands bring tribute to Him who is to be feared.

    Read in context

  • Psalms 66:13–14

    I will enter Your house with burnt offerings; I will fulfill my vows to You—

    Read in context

  • Psalms 50:14

    Sacrifice a thank offering to God, and fulfill your vows to the Most High.

    Read in context

  • Psalms 119:106

    I have sworn and confirmed that I will keep Your righteous judgments.

    Read in context

  • Malachi 1:10

    “Oh, that one of you would shut the temple doors, so that you would no longer kindle useless fires on My altar! I take no pleasure in you,” says the LORD of Hosts, “and I will accept no offering from your hands.

    Read in context