Ecclesiastes 5:4-5
When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse isn't just about keeping promises; it highlights that God has "no pleasure in fools," meaning those who are reckless with their words and promises, making commitments they don't intend to keep. It calls out the folly of treating sacred commitments lightly, suggesting that such instability or deceit isn't just disappointing to God, but deeply foolish from His perspective.
The book of Ecclesiastes has been exploring the vanity of earthly pursuits, and now turns to examine the nature of worship and religious practice. Following a warning against speaking carelessly to God, this passage addresses the serious matter of making vows, urging immediate fulfillment rather than procrastination or avoidance, as such behavior is seen as foolish and displeasing to God.
Ever promised something important and then wished you hadn't? Vowing to God is even more serious.
A Voluntary, Yet Binding, Commitment
This verse reminds us that when we make a vow to God, it's a solemn promise. Think of it like a solemn contract.
Why the Urgency?
Delaying payment shows a disrespect for the vow and for God Himself. It suggests your promises are light or that you think you can outmaneuver the One who sees all.
Calling people 'fools' in the Bible is usually a serious business. What makes breaking a vow so foolish in God's eyes?
God's Displeasure with Empty Promises
The verse bluntly states God has 'no pleasure in fools.' This isn't about God being petty; it's about His character and our relationship with Him.
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 parallels Ecclesiastes 5:4, stating, 'When you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to pay it, for the LORD your God will surely demand it of you, and you will sin.'
Psalm 76:11This verse highlights the importance of fulfilling vows as a testament to God's people, encouraging them to 'Make your vows to the LORD your God and perform them; let all around him bring gifts to him who is to be feared.'
Matthew 5:33Jesus addresses oaths and vows, emphasizing the integrity required in our speech by saying, 'But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all... Just let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.'
Proverbs 20:25This proverb warns against rash commitments, much like Ecclesiastes cautions against delaying vows: 'A person can be ensnared by prematurely dedicating something, and later regretting their vows.'
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.
The verse isn't just about keeping promises; it highlights that God has "no pleasure in fools," meaning those who are reckless with their words and promises, making commitments they don't intend to keep. It calls out the folly of treating sacred commitments lightly, suggesting that such instability or deceit isn't just disappointing to God, but deeply foolish from His perspective.
The book of Ecclesiastes has been exploring the vanity of earthly pursuits, and now turns to examine the nature of worship and religious practice. Following a warning against speaking carelessly to God, this passage addresses the serious matter of making vows, urging immediate fulfillment rather than procrastination or avoidance, as such behavior is seen as foolish and displeasing to God.
The book of Ecclesiastes has been exploring the vanity of earthly pursuits, and now turns to examine the nature of worship and religious practice. Following a warning against speaking carelessly to God, this passage addresses the serious matter of making vows, urging immediate fulfillment rather than procrastination or avoidance, as such behavior is seen as foolish and displeasing to God.
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A Warning Against Presumption
To make a vow lightly and then ignore it is to presume upon God's patience and goodness. It demonstrates a lack of reverence for His holiness and justice.
"When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay." — The verse isn't just about keeping promises; it highlights that God has "no pleasure in fools," meaning those who are reckless with their words and promises, making commitments they don't intend to k…
