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And do not protest to the temple messenger, &#8220My vow was a mistake.&#8221 Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/5.htm">New Living Translation</a> Don’t let your mouth make you sin. And don’t defend yourself by telling the Temple messenger that the promise you made was a mistake. That would make God angry, and he might wipe out everything you have achieved. <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">English Standard Version</a> Let not your mouth lead you into sin, and do not say before the messenger that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice and destroy the work of your hands? <a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, and do not tell the messenger that your vow was a mistake. Why should God be angry with your words and destroy the work of your hands? <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">King James Bible</a> Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands? <a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">New King James Version</a> Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, nor say before the messenger of God that it was an error. Why should God be angry at your excuse and destroy the work of your hands? <a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Do not let your speech cause you to sin, and do not say in the presence of the messenger of God that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry on account of your voice, and destroy the work of your hands? <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> Do not let your speech cause you to sin and do not say in the presence of the messenger of God that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry on account of your voice and destroy the work of your hands? <a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Do not let your speech cause you to sin and do not say in the presence of the messenger of God that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry on account of your voice and destroy the work of your hands? <a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Do not allow your mouth to cause your flesh to sin, and do not say in the presence of the messenger of God that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry on account of your voice and wreak destruction on the work of your hands? <a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Do not allow your speech to cause you to sin, and do not say before the messenger (priest) of God that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry because of your voice (words) and destroy the work of your hands? <a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Do not let your mouth bring guilt on you, and do not say in the presence of the messenger that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry with your words and destroy the work of your hands? <a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Do not let your mouth bring guilt on you, and do not say in the presence of the messenger that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry with your words and destroy the work of your hands? <a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thy hands? <a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Don't let your mouth get you in trouble! And don't say to the worship leader, "I didn't mean what I said." God can destroy everything you have worked for, so don't say something that makes God angry. <a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands? <a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Don't let your mouth talk you into committing a sin. Don't say in the presence of a [temple] messenger, "My promise was a mistake!" Why should God become angry at your excuse and destroy what you've accomplished? <a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> Don't let your own words lead you into sin, so that you have to tell God's priest that you didn't mean it. Why make God angry with you? Why let him destroy what you have worked for? <a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> Never let your mouth cause you to sin and don't proclaim in the presence of the angel, "My promise was a mistake," for why should God be angry at your excuse and destroy what you've undertaken? <a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, and do not tell the messenger that your vow was a mistake. Why should God be angry with your words and destroy the work of your hands? <a href="/net/ecclesiastes/5.htm">NET Bible</a> Do not let your mouth cause you to sin, and do not tell the priest, "It was a mistake!" Why make God angry at you so that he would destroy the work of your hands?" <a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Do not allow your mouth to lead you into sin. Do not protest before the messenger that this was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice, and destroy the work of your hands? <a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: why should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thy hands? <a href="/web/ecclesiastes/5.htm">World English Bible</a> Don’t allow your mouth to lead you into sin. Don’t protest before the messenger that this was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice, and destroy the work of your hands? <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Do not permit your mouth to cause your flesh to sin, nor say before the messenger that it [is] ignorance. Why is God angry because of your voice and has destroyed the work of your hands? <a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin, nor say before the messenger, that 'it is an error,' why is God wroth because of thy voice, and hath destroyed the work of thy hands? <a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Thou shalt not give thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; and thou shalt not say to the face of the messenger that it is an error: wherefore shall God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thy hands?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Give not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin: and say not before the angel: There is no providence: lest God be angry at thy words, and destroy all the works of thy hands. <a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> <V 5:5>You should not use your mouth so as to cause your flesh to sin. And you should not say, in the sight of an Angel, “There is no Providence.” For God, being angry at your words, may scatter all the works of your hands. <a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/5.htm">New American Bible</a> Let not your utterances make you guilty, and say not before his representative, “It was a mistake.” Why should God be angered by your words and destroy the works of your hands? <a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Do not let your mouth lead you into sin, and do not say before the messenger that it was a mistake; why should God be angry at your words, and destroy the work of your hands?<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Suffer not your mouth to cause your flesh to sin; neither say before God that it was an error, lest God be angry at your voice and destroy the work of your hands. <a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> You shall not give your mouth to cause your flesh to sin and you should not say in front of God: "It is my error", lest God will be angry against your voice and he will destroy the work of your hands<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/5.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Suffer not thy mouth to bring thy flesh into guilt, neither say thou before the messenger, that it was an error; wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thy hands? <a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Suffer not thy mouth to lead thy flesh to sin; and say not in the presence of God, It was an error: lest God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the works of thy hands. <a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/5-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=862" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Approaching God with Awe</a> …5It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. 6<a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: tit·tên (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">let</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: pî·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">your mouth</a> <a href="/hebrew/1320.htm" title="1320: bə·śā·re·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Flesh. From basar; flesh; by extension, body, person; also The pudenda of a man.">cause your flesh</a> <a href="/hebrew/2398.htm" title="2398: la·ḥă·ṭî (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- A primitive root; properly, to miss; hence to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn.">to sin,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: wə·’al- (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">and do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: tō·mar (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">tell</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê (Prep-l:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4397.htm" title="4397: ham·mal·’āḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- A messenger. From an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy; a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. An angel.">the messenger</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hî (Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. ">your vow</a> <a href="/hebrew/7684.htm" title="7684: šə·ḡā·ḡāh (N-fs) -- Sin of error or inadvertance. From shagag; a mistake or inadvertent transgression.">was a mistake.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: lām·māh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">Why</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">should God</a> <a href="/hebrew/7107.htm" title="7107: yiq·ṣōp̄ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To be angry. A primitive root; to crack off, i.e. burst out in rage.">be angry</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">with</a> <a href="/hebrew/6963.htm" title="6963: qō·w·le·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Sound, voice. Or qol; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound.">your words</a> <a href="/hebrew/2254.htm" title="2254: wə·ḥib·bêl (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConjPerf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to wind tightly, i.e. To bind; specifically, by a pledge; figuratively, to pervert, destroy; also to writhe in pain.">and destroy</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4639.htm" title="4639: ma·‘ă·śêh (N-msc) -- A deed, work. From asah; an action; generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product or property.">the work</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yā·ḏe·ḵā (N-fdc:: 2ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">of your hands?</a> 7For as many dreams bring futility, so do many words. Therefore, fear God.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Matthew 12:36-37</a> But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” <a href="/james/3-2.htm">James 3:2-10</a> We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body. / When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal. / Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined. ... <a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Proverbs 10:19</a> When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. <a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">Matthew 5:33-37</a> Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’ / But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; / or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. ... <a href="/james/1-26.htm">James 1:26</a> If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless. <a href="/proverbs/20-25.htm">Proverbs 20:25</a> It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly, only later to reconsider his vows. <a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a> Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. <a href="/matthew/15-18.htm">Matthew 15:18-19</a> But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man. / For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander. <a href="/proverbs/13-3.htm">Proverbs 13:3</a> He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin. <a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a> Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen. <a href="/proverbs/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23</a> He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress. <a href="/colossians/3-8.htm">Colossians 3:8</a> But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. <a href="/proverbs/12-13.htm">Proverbs 12:13</a> An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech, but a righteous man escapes from trouble. <a href="/1_peter/3-10.htm">1 Peter 3:10</a> For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. <a href="/proverbs/6-2.htm">Proverbs 6:2</a> if you have been trapped by the words of your lips, ensnared by the words of your mouth,</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Suffer not your mouth to cause your flesh to sin; neither say you before the angel, that it was an error: why should God be angry at your voice, and destroy the work of your hands?thy mouth<a href="/ecclesiastes/5-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:1,2</a> 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… <a href="/james/1-26.htm">James 1:26</a> If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.<a href="/james/3-2.htm">James 3:2</a> For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.before<a href="/leviticus/5-4.htm">Leviticus 5:4,5</a> Or if a soul swear, pronouncing with his lips to do evil, or to do good, whatsoever it be that a man shall pronounce with an oath, and it be hid from him; when he knoweth of it, then he shall be guilty in one of these… <a href="/genesis/48-16.htm">Genesis 48:16</a> The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.<a href="/hosea/12-4.htm">Hosea 12:4,5</a> Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him in Bethel, and there he spake with us; … it was<a href="/leviticus/4-5.htm">Leviticus 4:5-6</a> And the priest that is anointed shall take of the bullock's blood, and bring it to the tabernacle of the congregation: … <a href="/leviticus/27-9.htm">Leviticus 27:9,10</a> And if it be a beast, whereof men bring an offering unto the LORD, all that any man giveth of such unto the LORD shall be holy… destroy<a href="/haggai/1-9.htm">Haggai 1:9-11</a> Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the LORD of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house… <a href="/haggai/2-14.htm">Haggai 2:14-17</a> Then answered Haggai, and said, So is this people, and so is this nation before me, saith the LORD; and so is every work of their hands; and that which they offer there is unclean… <a href="/1_corinthians/3-13.htm">1 Corinthians 3:13-15</a> Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/10-3.htm">Allow</a> <a href="/psalms/35-6.htm">Angel</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-22.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-2.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-6.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-1.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-16.htm">End</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-6.htm">Error</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-1.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-5.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-17.htm">Guilt</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-6.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-16.htm">Lead</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-13.htm">Messenger</a> <a href="/judges/9-36.htm">Mistake</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-2.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-23.htm">Protest</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-12.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-3.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-12.htm">Suffer</a> <a href="/psalms/138-2.htm">Temple</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-3.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-5.htm">Vow</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-2.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-3.htm">Words</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-9.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-12.htm">Allow</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-36.htm">Angel</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-9.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-10.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-16.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-28.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-2.htm">End</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-5.htm">Error</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-13.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-10.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/isaiah/6-7.htm">Guilt</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-26.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/songs/8-2.htm">Lead</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-36.htm">Messenger</a> <a href="/genesis/43-12.htm">Mistake</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-7.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-5.htm">Protest</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-20.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/songs/4-3.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-12.htm">Suffer</a> <a href="/songs/4-3.htm">Temple</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-20.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-21.htm">Vow</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-5.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-7.htm">Words</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-15.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 5</div>1. <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-1.htm">vanities in divine service</a> 8. <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-8.htm">in murmuring against oppression</a> 9. <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-9.htm">and in riches</a> 18. <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm">Joy in riches is the gift of God.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ecclesiastes/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin This phrase emphasizes the power of words and their potential to lead to sin. In biblical context, the mouth often symbolizes the heart's intentions (<a href="/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34</a>). The warning here is against rash vows or promises, which were common in ancient Israelite culture. The Law of Moses addressed the seriousness of vows (<a href="/numbers/30-2.htm">Numbers 30:2</a>), highlighting the importance of integrity and the consequences of failing to fulfill one's word. The connection between speech and action is a recurring theme in Scripture, as seen in <a href="/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5-6</a>, where the tongue is described as a small part of the body that can cause great harm.and do not tell the messenger that your vow was a mistake In ancient times, a messenger or priest might be sent to collect on vows made to God. This phrase warns against attempting to retract a vow by claiming it was made in error. Such actions reflect a lack of reverence for God and a failure to recognize the sanctity of one's promises. The cultural context underscores the seriousness of vows, as they were considered binding and sacred. This aligns with Jesus' teaching in <a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">Matthew 5:33-37</a>, where He advises against making oaths altogether, advocating for simple and honest communication.Why should God be angry with your words This rhetorical question highlights the divine response to insincere or careless speech. In the Old Testament, God's anger is often depicted as a response to disobedience and irreverence (<a href="/exodus/32-10.htm">Exodus 32:10</a>). The phrase serves as a reminder of God's holiness and the expectation of His people to uphold their commitments. It reflects the broader biblical principle that God values truth and integrity, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/12-22.htm">Proverbs 12:22</a>, which states that lying lips are an abomination to the Lord.and destroy the work of your hands? The consequence of God's anger is described as the destruction of one's labor. This reflects the biblical principle of divine retribution, where disobedience leads to tangible consequences (<a href="/deuteronomy/28-15.htm">Deuteronomy 28:15-68</a>). The "work of your hands" symbolizes one's efforts and achievements, which can be undone by God's judgment. This serves as a warning to maintain integrity and sincerity in one's relationship with God. The phrase also echoes the futility of human endeavors without divine favor, a theme prevalent throughout Ecclesiastes.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_preacher.htm">The Preacher (Qoheleth)</a> Traditionally identified as King Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes, who shares wisdom on the futility of life without God. 2. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The ultimate judge and authority who holds individuals accountable for their words and actions. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_messenger.htm">The Messenger</a> Likely a temple official or priest who would hear vows and ensure they are fulfilled. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_vow.htm">The Vow</a> A solemn promise made to God, often in the context of worship or seeking divine favor. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_work_of_your_hands.htm">The Work of Your Hands</a> Represents the efforts and achievements of an individual, which can be jeopardized by careless words.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/guard_your_words.htm">Guard Your Words</a> Our words have power and can lead us into sin. We must be mindful of what we say, especially in the presence of God. <a href="/topical/t/the_seriousness_of_vows.htm">The Seriousness of Vows</a> Making a vow to God is a serious commitment. We should not make promises lightly or without the intention to fulfill them. <a href="/topical/a/accountability_before_god.htm">Accountability Before God</a> God holds us accountable for our words and actions. We should live with the awareness that our speech can impact our relationship with Him. <a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_worship.htm">Integrity in Worship</a> Our worship and promises to God should be sincere and not made out of impulse or emotion. True worship involves integrity and honesty. <a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_carelessness.htm">Consequences of Carelessness</a> Careless words can lead to the destruction of our efforts and achievements. We must be diligent in aligning our speech with God’s will.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 5</a> <a href="/q/key_events_in_jeremiah's_life.htm">What are the key events in Jeremiah's life?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_ecclesiastes_4_5-6_align_with_proverbs.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:5-6 appears to favor quietness over hard work--how is this consistent with scriptures that commend diligence (e.g., Proverbs 6:6-8)?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_god_accept_sacrifices.htm">If God is all-good, why does He accept human sacrifices in some cases (Judges 11:30-39)?</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_bible's_view_on_envy.htm">What does 'likeness of sinful flesh' mean for Jesus?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(6) The angel.--It has been proposed to translate this word the "messenger," or ambassador of God, and understand "the priest" (see <a href="/malachi/2-7.htm" title="For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.">Malachi 2:7</a>); and it has been regarded as one of the notes of later date in this book that the word should be used in such a sense. But even in the passage of Malachi there is no trace that the word "angel" had then become an ordinary name for the priest, such as would be intelligible if used in that sense without explanation from the context. Neither, again, is there reason for supposing that the priest had power to dispense with vows alleged to have been rashly undertaken. The power given him (Leviticus 27) is of a different nature. I therefore adhere to the obvious sense, which suggests that the real vow is observed and recorded by a heavenly angel. It falls in with this view that the phrase is "before the angel." If an excuse pleaded to a priest was intended, we should have, "Say not thou to the priest."Error.--The word is that which describes sins of ignorance (Numbers 15). The tacit assumption in this verse, that God interposes to punish when His name is taken in vain, clearly expresses the writer's real conviction, and shows that such a verse as <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-2.htm" title="All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrifices, and to him that sacrifices not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that swears, as he that fears an oath.">Ecclesiastes 9:2</a> is only the statement of a speculative difficulty.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 6. - Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin. "Thy flesh" is equivalent to "thyself," the whole personality, the idea of the flesh, as a distinct part of the man, sinning, being alien from Old Testament ontology. The injunction means - Do not, by uttering rash or inconsiderate vows, which you afterwards evade or cannot fulfill, bring sin upon yourself, or, as others render, bring punishment upon yourself. Septuagint, "Suffer not thy mouth to Cause thy flesh to sin(τοῦ ὠξαμαρτῆσαι τὴν σάρκα σου);" Vulgate, Ut peccare facias carnem tuam. Another interpretation, but not so suitable, is this - Do not let thy mouth (i.e. thy appetite) lead thee to break the vow of abstinence, and indulge in meat or drink from which (as, e.g., a Nazarite) thou wast bound to abstain. Neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error. If we take "angel" (malak) in the usual sense (and there seems no very forcible reason why we should not), it must mean the angel of God in whose special charge you are placed, or the angel who was supposed to preside over the altar of worship, or that messenger of God whose duty it is to watch man's doings and to act as the minister of punishment (<a href="/2_samuel/24-16.htm">2 Samuel 24:16</a>). The workings of God's providence are often attributed to angels; and sometimes the names of God and angel are interchanged (see <a href="/genesis/16-9.htm">Genesis 16:9, 13</a>; <a href="/genesis/18-2.htm">Genesis 18:2, 3</a>, etc.; <a href="/exodus/3-2.htm">Exodus 3:2, 4</a>; <a href="/exodus/23-20.htm">Exodus 23:20</a>, etc.). Thus the Septuagint here renders, "Say not before the face of God (πρὸ = προσώπου τοῦ Θεοῦ)." If this interpretation be allowed, we have an argument for the literal explanation of the much-disputed passage in <a href="/1_corinthians/11-10.htm">1 Corinthians 11:10</a>, διὰ τοὺς ἀγγέλους. Thus, too, in 'The Testaments of the XII. Patriarchs,' we have, "The Lord is witness, and his angels are witnesses, concerning the word of your mouth" ('Levi,' 19). But most commentators consider that the word here means "messenger" of Jehovah, in the sense of priest, the announcer of the Divine Law, as in the unique passage <a href="/malachi/2-7.htm">Malachi 2:7</a>. Traces of a similar use of ἄγγελος may be found in the New Testament (<a href="/revelation/1-20.htm">Revelation 1:20</a>; <a href="/revelation/2-1.htm">Revelation 2:1</a>, etc.). According to the first interpretation, the man comes before God with his excuse; according to the second, he comes to the priest, and confesses that he was thoughtless and overhasty in making his vow, and desires to be released from it, or, at any rate, by some means to evade its fulfillment. His excuse may possibly look to the cases mentioned in <a href="/numbers/15-22.htm">Numbers 15:22</a>, etc., and he may wish to urge that the vow was made in ignorance (Septuagint, Ὅτι ἄγνοιά ἐστι, "It is an ignorance"), and that therefore he was not responsible for its incomplete execution. We do not know that a priest or any officer of the temple had authority to release from the obligation of a Tow, so that the excuse made "before" him would seem to be objectless, while the evasion of a solemn promise made in the Name of God might well be said to be done in the presence of the observing and recording angel. The Vulgate rendering, Non eat providentia, makes the man account for his neglect by assuming that God takes no heed of such things; he deems the long-suffering of God to be indifference and disregard (comp. <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:11</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:3</a>). The original does not bear this interpretation. Wherefore should God be angry at thy voice - the words in which thy evasion and dishonesty are expressed - and destroy the work of thine hands? i.e. punish thee by calamity, want of success, sickness, etc., God's moral government being vindicated by earthly visitations. <a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/5-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Do not אַל־ (’al-) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> Not let תִּתֵּ֤ן (tit·tên) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> To give, put, set your mouth פִּ֙יךָ֙ (pî·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to cause your body בְּשָׂרֶ֔ךָ (bə·śā·re·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1320.htm">Strong's 1320: </a> Flesh, body, person, the pudenda of a, man to sin, לַחֲטִ֣יא (la·ḥă·ṭî) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2398.htm">Strong's 2398: </a> To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn and do not וְאַל־ (wə·’al-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> Not tell תֹּאמַר֙ (tō·mar) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say the messenger הַמַּלְאָ֔ךְ (ham·mal·’āḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4397.htm">Strong's 4397: </a> A messenger, of God, an angel that כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction [your vow] הִ֑יא (hî) Pronoun - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are was a mistake. שְׁגָגָ֖ה (šə·ḡā·ḡāh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7684.htm">Strong's 7684: </a> A mistake, inadvertent transgression Why לָ֣מָּה (lām·māh) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what should God הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙ (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative be angry יִקְצֹ֤ף (yiq·ṣōp̄) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7107.htm">Strong's 7107: </a> To crack off, burst out in rage with עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against your words קוֹלֶ֔ךָ (qō·w·le·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6963.htm">Strong's 6963: </a> A voice, sound and destroy וְחִבֵּ֖ל (wə·ḥib·bêl) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2254.htm">Strong's 2254: </a> To wind tightly, to bind, a pledge, to pervert, destroy, to writhe in pain the work מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה (ma·‘ă·śêh) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4639.htm">Strong's 4639: </a> An action, a transaction, activity, a product, property of your hands? יָדֶֽיךָ׃ (yā·ḏe·ḵā) Noun - fdc | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/5-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:6 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/5-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:6 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/5-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:6 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/5-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:6 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/5-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:6 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/5-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:6 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/5-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:6 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/5-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:6 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/5-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:6 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/5-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:6 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-6.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 5:6 Don't allow your mouth to lead you (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 5:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 5:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 5:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 5:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>