Ecclesiastes 5:7
For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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When the text mentions "many words," it's often a subtle nod to rash vows and the empty talk that can surround religious practice, contrasting sharply with the simple, reverent fear of God. This isn't just about being talkative; it's about the emptiness of religious observance that lacks true heart, a warning against substituting words for genuine awe.
The Teacher is warning against the foolishness of making numerous vows and relying on empty promises or self-deceptive dreams. He's just explained the importance of fulfilling vows promptly, contrasting rash promises with a proper reverence for God, and here he elaborates on the vanity that arises when we fill our spiritual lives with trivialities instead of fearing the Almighty. This leads into further warnings about wealth and contentment, always circling back to the singular importance of fearing God above all else.
Feeling overwhelmed by endless thoughts, worries, or even grand plans that never materialize? This verse speaks directly to that.
Solomon, the writer of Ecclesiastes, observes the human tendency to get caught up in a world of 'many words' and 'dreams.' These aren't necessarily sinful in themselves, but when they become the focus, they lead to vanity – emptiness, futility, a lack of lasting substance.
In essence, the verse warns against getting lost in the noise and illusion, which ultimately offers no true satisfaction or meaning.
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Feeling adrift in a world of fleeting pursuits? There's a powerful anchor offered here.
In stark contrast to the vanity of dreams and words, Solomon presents the singular solution: 'fear God.' This isn't about being terrified of God in a paralyzing way, but rather a deep, reverent awe that acknowledges His supreme authority, holiness, and power.
Understand the original words
hebel · Hebrew noun
A state of being fleeting, temporary, meaningless, or empty. It signifies the transient nature of life under the sun apart from eternal perspective, often translated as 'futility.'
yare' · Hebrew verb
A reverential awe, respect, and submission before the majesty and holiness of God. It is the beginning of wisdom and the appropriate response of a creature to the Creator.
This passage warns against seeking guidance from mediums and sorcerers, highlighting how such practices, which often involve dreams and pronouncements, are detestable to God, mirroring Ecclesiastes' caution about the vanity of relying on such things instead of fearing God.
Proverbs 1:7This verse directly states that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, providing the ultimate contrast to the 'vanity' of excessive dreams and words mentioned in Ecclesiastes, and pointing to God as the true source of wisdom.
Matthew 6:7Jesus warns against babbling like the Gentiles in prayer, which resonates with the 'many words' and vanity mentioned in Ecclesiastes, emphasizing that true devotion involves sincerity and reverence, not mere repetition or empty speech.
Job 33:14-16Elihu explains how God speaks to people through dreams, but crucially, not to be heeded over His direct word or wisdom; this adds a layer to understanding 'dreams' as potentially from God, but still subordinate to fearing Him, avoiding the vanity of misinterpreting them.
Ecclesiastes 12:13This verse serves as a powerful conclusion to the entire book, reiterating the main point of Ecclesiastes 5:7: 'Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man,' directly linking the fear of God to the ultimate purpose of life.
pooleEcclesiastes 5:7: "For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God."
There is a great deal of vanity and folly, as in multitude of dreams, which for the most part are vain and insignificant, so also in many words , i.e. in making many vows, whereby a man is exposed to many snares and temptations. Fear thou God; fear the offence and wrath of God, and therefore be sparing in making vows, and just in performing them; whereby he implies that this rash…
clarkeEcclesiastes 5:7: "For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God."
In - dreams - are - divers vanities; but fear thou God - If, by the disturbed state of thy mind during the day, or by Satanic influence, thou dream of evil, do not give way to any unreasonable fears, or gloomy forebodings, of any coming mischief: - Fear God. Fear neither the dream nor its interpretation; God, will take care of and protect thee. Most certainly, he that fears God n…
When the text mentions "many words," it's often a subtle nod to rash vows and the empty talk that can surround religious practice, contrasting sharply with the simple, reverent fear of God. This isn't just about being talkative; it's about the emptiness of religious observance that lacks true heart, a warning against substituting words for genuine awe.
The Teacher is warning against the foolishness of making numerous vows and relying on empty promises or self-deceptive dreams. He's just explained the importance of fulfilling vows promptly, contrasting rash promises with a proper reverence for God, and here he elaborates on the vanity that arises when we fill our spiritual lives with trivialities instead of fearing the Almighty. This leads into further warnings about wealth and contentment, always circling back to the singular importance of fearing God above all else.
The Teacher is warning against the foolishness of making numerous vows and relying on empty promises or self-deceptive dreams. He's just explained the importance of fulfilling vows promptly, contrasting rash promises with a proper reverence for God, and here he elaborates on the vanity that arises when we fill our spiritual lives with trivialities instead of fearing the Almighty. This leads into further warnings about wealth and contentment, always circling back to the singular importance of fearing God above all else.
"For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear." — When the text mentions "many words," it's often a subtle nod to rash vows and the empty talk that can surround religious practice, contrasting sharply with the simple, reverent fear of God. This isn'…
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