For as many dreams bring futility, so do many words. Therefore, fear God. For as many dreams bring futilityThe word "dreams" in this context can be understood as the multitude of thoughts, plans, or aspirations that people have. In the Hebrew, the word for "dreams" (חֲלֹמוֹת, chalomot) can also imply illusions or fantasies that are not grounded in reality. The term "futility" (הֶבֶל, hebel) is a recurring theme in Ecclesiastes, often translated as "vanity" or "meaninglessness." It suggests the transient and often deceptive nature of human endeavors when they are disconnected from divine purpose. Historically, dreams were sometimes seen as messages from God, but here, they are portrayed as potentially empty when they are merely human constructs without divine guidance. so do many words
The phrase "many words" (רַב־דְּבָרִים, rab-devarim) refers to excessive speech or verbosity. In the biblical context, this can be seen as a warning against the dangers of speaking without thought or purpose. Proverbs 10:19 echoes this sentiment: "When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise." The historical context of this phrase may relate to the practices of ancient Near Eastern cultures, where lengthy speeches or prayers were often used to persuade or manipulate. The caution here is against the emptiness of words that are not rooted in truth or sincerity. Therefore, fear God
The command to "fear God" (יִרְאַת אֱלֹהִים, yirat Elohim) is a central theme in Ecclesiastes and throughout the Bible. The Hebrew word for "fear" (יִרְאָה, yirah) encompasses a range of meanings from terror to reverence and awe. In this context, it implies a deep respect and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and authority. Historically, the fear of God was seen as the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10) and a guiding principle for righteous living. This phrase serves as a corrective to the futility of dreams and words, redirecting the focus to a life lived in reverence and obedience to God. It is a call to align one's life with divine will, recognizing that true meaning and purpose are found in a relationship with the Creator. Persons / Places / Events 1. Solomon- Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings. His reflections in Ecclesiastes are often seen as a culmination of his life experiences and insights. 2. Israel- The nation to which Solomon belonged and over which he reigned. The cultural and religious context of Israel is crucial for understanding the themes of Ecclesiastes. 3. Temple Worship- The context of Ecclesiastes 5 includes references to vows and worship practices, which were central to the religious life of Israel. Teaching Points The Futility of Many WordsExcessive talking can lead to sin and misunderstanding. It is wise to be concise and thoughtful in our speech, reflecting on the impact of our words. The Illusion of DreamsDreams, in this context, can represent ambitions or plans that are not grounded in reality. We should seek God's guidance to discern which dreams align with His will. The Fear of GodFearing God involves reverence, awe, and obedience. It is the foundation of wisdom and should guide our actions and words. Simplicity in WorshipOur approach to God should be sincere and straightforward, avoiding empty rituals or verbose prayers that lack genuine devotion. Practical WisdomApplying the wisdom of Ecclesiastes involves living a life that prioritizes God's will over personal ambitions or societal pressures. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of "many dreams" in Ecclesiastes 5:7 relate to our personal ambitions and goals? What steps can we take to ensure our dreams align with God's will? 2. In what ways can excessive words lead to futility in our daily interactions? How can we practice restraint in our speech according to biblical principles? 3. How does the fear of God serve as a foundation for wisdom in our lives? What are some practical ways to cultivate a healthy fear of God? 4. Compare the teachings of Ecclesiastes 5:7 with Jesus' instructions on prayer in Matthew 6:7. How can we apply these teachings to our prayer life? 5. Reflect on James 1:26 and its connection to Ecclesiastes 5:7. How can we better control our tongues and ensure our words are edifying and truthful? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 10:19- This verse warns about the dangers of excessive words, similar to Ecclesiastes 5:7, emphasizing the value of restraint in speech. Matthew 6:7- Jesus teaches about prayer, cautioning against the use of many words, which connects to the theme of futility in speech found in Ecclesiastes. James 1:26- James speaks about the importance of controlling one's tongue, which aligns with the caution against many words in Ecclesiastes 5:7. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Abound, Abundance, Awe, Divers, Dreams, Emptiness, Empty, Fear, Grow, Increase, Meaningless, Multitude, Purpose, Rather, Stand, Talk, VanitiesDictionary of Bible Themes Ecclesiastes 5:7 1409 dream Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 5468 promises, human Ecclesiastes 5:6-7 5575 talk, idle Library Naked or Clothed?
'As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.'--ECCLES. v. 15. '... Their works do follow them.'--REV. xiv. 13. It is to be observed that these two sharply contrasted texts do not refer to the same persons. The former is spoken of a rich worldling, the latter of 'the dead who die in the Lord.' The unrelieved gloom of the one is as a dark background against which the triumphant assurance of …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureLessons for Worship and for Work
'Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. 2. Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything 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. 4. When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for He hath …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Things to be Meditated on as Thou Goest to the Church.
1. That thou art going to the court of the Lord, and to speak with the great God by prayer; and to hear his majesty speak unto thee by his word; and to receive his blessing on thy soul, and thy honest labour, in the six days past. 2. Say with thyself by the way--"As the hart brayeth for the rivers of water, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, even for the living God: When shall I come and appear before the presence of God? For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Literature.
i. editions of chrysostom's works. S. Joannis Chrysostomi, archiepiscopi Constantinopolitani, Opera omnia quæ exstant vel quæ ejus nomine circumferuntur, ad mss. codices Gallicos, Vaticanos, Anglicos, Germanicosque castigata, etc. Opera et studio D.Bernardi de Montfaucon, monachi ordinis S. Benedicti e congregatione S. Mauri, opem ferentibus aliis ex codem sodalitio, monachis. Greek and Latin, Paris, 1718-'38, in 13 vols., fol. This is the best edition, and the result of about twenty …
St. Chrysostom—On the Priesthood Ninth Day for God's Spirit on Our Mission Work
WHAT TO PRAY.--For God's Spirit on our Mission Work "The evangelisation of the world depends first of all upon a revival of prayer. Deeper than the need for men--ay, deep down at the bottom of our spiritless life, is the need for the forgotten secret of prevailing, world-wide prayer." "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul. Then when they had fasted and prayed, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed."--ACTS …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession Thoughts Upon Worldly-Riches. Sect. Ii.
TIMOTHY after his Conversion to the Christian Faith, being found to be a Man of great Parts, Learning, and Piety, and so every way qualified for the work of the Ministry, St. Paul who had planted a Church at Ephesus the Metropolis or chief City of all Asia, left him to dress and propagate it, after his departure from it, giving him Power to ordain Elders or Priests, and to visit and exercise Jurisdiction over them, to see they did not teach false Doctrines, 1 Tim. i. 3. That they be unblameable in …
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life There is a Blessedness in Reversion
Blessed are the poor in spirit. Matthew 5:3 Having done with the occasion, I come now to the sermon itself. Blessed are the poor in spirit'. Christ does not begin his Sermon on the Mount as the Law was delivered on the mount, with commands and threatenings, the trumpet sounding, the fire flaming, the earth quaking, and the hearts of the Israelites too for fear; but our Saviour (whose lips dropped as the honeycomb') begins with promises and blessings. So sweet and ravishing was the doctrine of this …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 How to be Admonished are those who Give Away what is their Own, and those who Seize what Belongs to Others.
(Admonition 21.) Differently to be admonished are those who already give compassionately of their own, and those who still would fain seize even what belongs to others. For those who already give compassionately of their own are to be admonished not to lift themselves up in swelling thought above those to whom they impart earthly things; not to esteem themselves better than others because they see others to be supported by them. For the Lord of an earthly household, in distributing the ranks and …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Covenanting Confers Obligation.
As it has been shown that all duty, and that alone, ought to be vowed to God in covenant, it is manifest that what is lawfully engaged to in swearing by the name of God is enjoined in the moral law, and, because of the authority of that law, ought to be performed as a duty. But it is now to be proved that what is promised to God by vow or oath, ought to be performed also because of the act of Covenanting. The performance of that exercise is commanded, and the same law which enjoins that the duties …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Ecclesiastes
It is not surprising that the book of Ecclesiastes had a struggle to maintain its place in the canon, and it was probably only its reputed Solomonic authorship and the last two verses of the book that permanently secured its position at the synod of Jamnia in 90 A.D. The Jewish scholars of the first century A.D. were struck by the manner in which it contradicted itself: e.g., "I praised the dead more than the living," iv. 2, "A living dog is better than a dead lion," ix. 4; but they were still more …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Ecclesiastes 5:7 NIVEcclesiastes 5:7 NLTEcclesiastes 5:7 ESVEcclesiastes 5:7 NASBEcclesiastes 5:7 KJV
Ecclesiastes 5:7 Commentaries
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