Ecclesiastes 5

Ecclesiastes 5 is the fifth of the twelve chapters of Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes 4 dealt with the vanity experienced in society, such as oppression, loneliness, and the transience of royal power. This chapter first addresses the attitude one should have before God, particularly in worship and in making vows, and then turns to the subject of wealth. Because the Hebrew Bible numbers verse 1 of this chapter as 4:17, its verse numbers are offset by one from those of Korean Bibles.

Outline

• Verses 1–3 The reader is told to guard his steps ("keep thy foot") when going to the house of God. To draw near and listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, and the reader is urged to let his words be few before God.
• Verses 4–7 Once a vow has been made, it should be paid without delay. It is better not to vow at all than to vow and not pay, and the passage closes with the exhortation to fear God (that is, to revere Him with awe).
• Verses 8–9 The reader is told not to marvel at seeing the poor oppressed, for there is one higher still above the high.
• Verses 10–17 The vanity of loving wealth is described. One who loves wealth is never satisfied, and the rich cannot sleep. As a person came naked from his mother's womb, so he departs, taking nothing with him.
• Verses 18–20 To enjoy good in one's labor all the days of life that God gives is a person's portion (the share allotted to him), and this is the gift of God.

Key Verses

• Ecclesiastes 5:2 "For God is in heaven, and thou upon earth" — frequently cited in discussions of the words and attitude of a worshiper.
• Ecclesiastes 5:5 "Better is it that thou shouldest not vow" — a verse emphasizing the seriousness of a vow.
• Ecclesiastes 5:19 "This is the gift of God" — expresses a recurring theme of Ecclesiastes, which regards enjoyment as a gift from God.

People and Places

• The Preacher: The narrator of Ecclesiastes. Introduced in 1:1 as "the son of David, king in Jerusalem," he has traditionally been identified with Solomon. Views differ, however, on who the actual author was.
• The house of God: Usually understood as the Temple in Jerusalem.
• The angel (v. 6): The Hebrew term means "messenger," or "one who is sent." Some interpret it as referring to a priest, others to an angel.

Points for Reflection

• The phrase "the sacrifice of fools" in verse 1 is commonly read not as a disparagement of sacrifice itself but as a warning against merely formal worship that does not listen. It is often compared with 1 Samuel 15:22, "to obey is better than sacrifice."
• The Hebrew of verses 8–9 is difficult, and translations render its meaning differently. Some read the passage as a lament over officials exploiting the people at every level of a hierarchy; others take it to mean that, in the end, a higher one watches over all.
• Verse 15 is read alongside Job 1:20–22 and 1 Timothy 6:6–9, "For we brought nothing into this world."
• Interpreters are divided over the "enjoyment" of verses 18–20. Some see it as an expression of resignation, while others see it as an affirmation of the life God has given.

In the Korean Church

Verses 1–2 are frequently cited in sermons on the proper attitude in worship, and verses 4–5 in sermons on vows and pledges.