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Ecclesiastes 5:4

Words and speechFaithfulness and loyaltyIntegrity

2 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.

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

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.

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

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?

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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 vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.

    Read in context

  • Matthew 5:33

    Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:

    Read in context

  • Deuteronomy 23:21–23

    When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.

    Read in context

  • Psalms 76:11

    Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God: let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared.

    Read in context

  • Psalms 66:13–14

    I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows,

    Read in context

  • Psalms 50:14

    Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:

    Read in context

  • Psalms 119:106

    I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.

    Read in context

  • Malachi 1:10

    Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for nought? neither do ye kindle fire on mine altar for nought. I have no pleasure in you, saith the LORD of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand.

    Read in context