Ecclesiastes 5:4
When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
It's easy to focus on the obligation to pay, but notice that the text implies vows aren't inherently commanded by God. Instead, it warns against the folly of making a vow and then not honoring it, highlighting that God is displeased with such inconsistency.
The Teacher is discussing how we should approach God, particularly after mentioning the rashness of speaking too much in prayer. He warns against making careless vows to God, especially those made in times of distress, only to be forgotten once the trouble passes. These kinds of broken or delayed promises are seen as foolish and displeasing to God, who expects us to honor our commitments.
Have you ever felt pressured to make a promise to God, especially in a tough spot? Ecclesiastes reminds us that our words to God carry serious weight.
In ancient Israel, vows were solemn promises made to God, often in moments of distress or gratitude. Think of Jacob promising to give a tenth of his possessions if God protected him, or Hannah dedicating her son Samuel to God's service. These weren't casual commitments; they were sacred agreements. The Book of Ecclesiastes, while acknowledging the freedom to not make a vow, strongly emphasizes that once a vow is made, it must be honored. Delaying or breaking a vow is seen as foolishness, an attempt to trifle with the all-knowing God, which God does not take lightly.
The verse starkly states God 'has no pleasure in fools.' What does this 'foolishness' look like in the context of vows?
The 'fools' God has no pleasure in are not simply ignorant people. In this context, they are those who are unreliable, hypocritical, or deceptive, especially in their dealings with God. This includes people who make grand promises when they are in trouble, only to forget them once their difficulties pass. It's a form of spiritual irresponsibility. Making a vow and then trying to find excuses to avoid it or delay it indefinitely is seen as mocking God's presence and authority. True wisdom recognizes that God sees all, and a commitment made to Him requires faithful action.
Understand the original words
neder · Hebrew Noun
A formal, solemn promise or oath made to God, often involving a commitment to perform a specific action or offering in response to His grace or as a condition of a petition. Breaking a vow is considered a serious transgression, equivalent to dealing falsely with God Himself.
This passage directly relates, stating 'When you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to pay it, for the LORD your God will certainly demand it of you, and you will incur sin.' It highlights the seriousness of vows and the divine expectation of their fulfillment.
Psalm 76:11This psalm echoes the sentiment by urging, 'Make your vows to the LORD your God and perform them; let all around him bring gifts to him who is to be feared.' It emphasizes that vows are made to God, who is to be revered, and therefore must be honored.
Matthew 5:33Jesus addresses the issue of oaths and vows directly: 'Again, you have heard that it was said to those of old, “You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.”' This shows the ongoing importance of faithfulness to promises made, even in the New Testament era.
Proverbs 20:25This verse warns, 'It is a snare for a man to say, “It is holy!” and after vows to make an inquiry.' It suggests that rashly declaring something dedicated to God without proper consideration can lead to sin and entanglement, reinforcing the need for careful commitment and prompt fulfillment.
clarkeEcclesiastes 5:4: "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."
When thou vowest a vow - When in distress and difficulty, men are apt to promise much to God if he will relieve them; but generally forget the vow when the distress or trouble is gone by.
ellicottEcclesiastes 5:4: "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."
(4) There is here a clear recognition of the passage in Deuteronomy. (See ref.; comp. Ecclesiasticus 18:23 .) No pleasure in fools.—Comp. Isaiah 62:4.
It's easy to focus on the obligation to pay, but notice that the text implies vows aren't inherently commanded by God. Instead, it warns against the folly of making a vow and then not honoring it, highlighting that God is displeased with such inconsistency.
The Teacher is discussing how we should approach God, particularly after mentioning the rashness of speaking too much in prayer. He warns against making careless vows to God, especially those made in times of distress, only to be forgotten once the trouble passes. These kinds of broken or delayed promises are seen as foolish and displeasing to God, who expects us to honor our commitments.
The Teacher is discussing how we should approach God, particularly after mentioning the rashness of speaking too much in prayer. He warns against making careless vows to God, especially those made in times of distress, only to be forgotten once the trouble passes. These kinds of broken or delayed promises are seen as foolish and displeasing to God, who expects us to honor our commitments.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Ecclesiastes 5:4 is available in the Sola app.
"When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow." — It's easy to focus on the obligation to pay, but notice that the text implies vows aren't inherently commanded by God. Instead, it warns against the folly of making a vow and then not honoring it,…
