Ecclesiastes 5:6

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

Suffer {H5414} not thy mouth {H6310} to cause thy flesh {H1320} to sin {H2398}; neither say {H559} thou before {H6440} the angel {H4397}, that it was an error {H7684}: wherefore should God {H430} be angry {H7107} at thy voice {H6963}, and destroy {H2254} the work {H4639} of thine hands {H3027}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't let your words make you guilty, and don't tell the temple official that you made the vow by mistake. Why give God reason to be angry at what you say and destroy what you have accomplished?

Berean Standard Bible

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?

American Standard Version

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?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 5:6 delivers a profound admonition concerning the sanctity of vows and the gravity of careless speech before God. It warns against allowing one's words to lead to personal transgression or to dismiss a solemn commitment as a mere mistake in the presence of a divine witness. The verse underscores that such irreverence can provoke divine anger, potentially leading to the destruction of one's efforts and labors, thereby emphasizing the serious consequences of treating spiritual obligations lightly.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a larger section of Ecclesiastes (Ecclesiastes 4:17-5:7, often rendered as Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 in English translations) that focuses on proper conduct in worship and the solemnity of vows. Qoheleth, the Preacher, has just cautioned against approaching God rashly or offering "the sacrifice of fools" ([Ecclesiastes 5:1](/ecclesiastes/5-1 "Ecclesiastes 5:1 - Guard Your Steps")). He emphasizes the importance of listening more than speaking and warns against making hasty vows ([Ecclesiastes 5:2](/ecclesiastes/5-2 "Ecclesiastes 5:2 - Do Not Be Rash with Your Mouth")). The preceding verses stress that if a vow is made, it must be fulfilled, for "God has no pleasure in fools" ([Ecclesiastes 5:4](/ecclesiastes/5-4 "Ecclesiastes 5:4 - Fulfill Your Vows")). Ecclesiastes 5:6 serves as the climactic warning within this pericope, detailing the severe consequences of failing to heed these earlier admonitions, specifically linking careless speech and unfulfilled vows to divine displeasure and material loss.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, vows were a significant part of religious life, often made in times of distress, thanksgiving, or devotion (e.g., [Numbers 21:2](/numbers/21-2 "Numbers 21:2 - Vow of Israel")). They were not mere promises but sacred commitments made directly to God, carrying immense spiritual and legal weight. The Mosaic Law provided specific regulations for vows, emphasizing their binding nature (e.g., [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - Fulfilling Vows")). The setting for such vows would often be the Temple or a sacred space, where a priest or another designated individual might serve as a witness. The concept of "the angel" (Hebrew: *mal'akh*) could refer to a literal celestial being, a human messenger of God (like a priest), or even a spiritual presence understood to observe human actions, reinforcing the idea that vows are made in God's immediate presence and are not to be taken lightly. The cultural understanding of divine retribution for disobedience, particularly for breaches of sacred covenant, was deeply ingrained, manifesting in tangible consequences like crop failure or loss of prosperity.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ecclesiastes and biblical wisdom literature. Primarily, it reinforces the theme of **reverence and the fear of God**, emphasizing that one's approach to the divine must be marked by solemnity and integrity, not flippancy. It highlights the **gravity of human speech**, particularly in the context of spiritual commitments, aligning with broader biblical teachings on the power of the tongue (e.g., [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - Power of the Tongue")). Furthermore, the verse underscores the theme of **divine accountability and justice**, illustrating that God actively observes human conduct and responds to irreverence and unfaithfulness. The potential "destruction of the work of thine hands" speaks to the practical, temporal consequences of spiritual negligence, a recurring motif in wisdom literature that connects moral behavior with earthly prosperity or adversity, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 10:4](/proverbs/10-4 "Proverbs 10:4 - Diligence and Poverty").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **flesh (Hebrew, _bâsâr'_):** (H1320) This term refers to the physical body, but by extension, it can signify the entire person or one's very being. In this context, "cause thy flesh to sin" implies that careless speech or a broken vow does not merely affect one's words but corrupts the whole person and their spiritual integrity, leading to a comprehensive transgression that impacts their entire existence.
* **sin (Hebrew, _châṭâʼ'_):** (H2398) Primarily meaning "to miss the mark," this word encompasses a broad range of moral and spiritual failings, including transgression, error, and forfeiture. Here, it denotes a failure to meet a divine expectation or standard, specifically in the context of a vow. It's not merely a mistake but an act of disobedience against God's will.
* **destroy (Hebrew, _châbal'_):** (H2254) This verb means "to wind tightly," "to bind," but also "to pervert" or "to destroy." It suggests a forceful, damaging action, not merely a cessation. When applied to God's action, it implies a comprehensive undoing or ruination of human effort and prosperity, a direct consequence of divine anger.
* **hands (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** (H3027) While literally referring to the physical hand, "hands" is a common biblical idiom for one's labor, efforts, achievements, or possessions. "The work of thine hands" thus signifies all that one has toiled for, accomplished, or accumulated. Its destruction implies a nullification of one's life's work and material well-being.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin":** This opening clause is a strong prohibition against allowing one's speech to lead to transgression. The "mouth" represents the source of words and vows, while "flesh" signifies the entire person. The warning is that careless, rash, or insincere words, particularly in the context of a vow, can lead to a comprehensive moral and spiritual failure that corrupts one's very being. It emphasizes the profound connection between spoken words and one's spiritual state.
* **"neither say thou before the angel, that it [was] an error":** This part forbids attempting to retract or excuse a vow by claiming it was a mistake or an inadvertent error. The "angel" (Hebrew: *mal'akh*) serves as a divine witness, signifying that the vow was made in the presence of God or His representative. To declare it an "error" is not merely an excuse but an insult to the divine authority and presence before whom the commitment was made, trivializing a sacred act.
* **"wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?":** This rhetorical question serves as a powerful warning about the consequences of such irreverence. It posits that God's anger is a just and logical response to a broken vow or flippant speech. The consequence of this divine anger is the "destruction of the work of thine hands," implying that God can nullify, ruin, or bring to naught all of one's efforts, labor, and prosperity, demonstrating the tangible and severe repercussions of spiritual disobedience.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 5:6 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its urgent message. The primary device is a **rhetorical question** ("wherefore should God be angry... and destroy...?"), which is not meant to be answered but to emphasize the inevitability and justice of divine judgment. This question serves as a strong deterrent, forcing the reader to consider the dire consequences of their actions. **Metonymy** is present in the phrase "thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin," where "mouth" stands for speech or vows, and "flesh" represents the entire person, highlighting the holistic impact of one's words. The phrase "destroy the work of thine hands" uses **synecdoche** (hands representing one's labor and accomplishments) and vivid **imagery** to portray the comprehensive nature of divine retribution. The verse also utilizes **parallelism** in its structure, contrasting the initial warning about the mouth with the subsequent warning about excusing oneself before the angel, both leading to the same potential outcome of divine anger and destruction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 5:6 resonates deeply with the biblical understanding of God's holiness, His demand for integrity, and the profound power attributed to human speech. Theologically, it underscores that God is not to be trifled with; He takes human vows and commitments seriously because they are made in His presence and reflect the state of one's heart. The verse reinforces the principle that true worship involves not just outward acts but also inward sincerity and faithfulness to one's word. It connects the spiritual realm of vows and speech directly to the tangible realities of life, illustrating how spiritual negligence can have real-world consequences, reflecting God's active involvement in the affairs of humanity. This passage serves as a timeless reminder that our words, especially those directed towards God, carry eternal weight and demand careful consideration and unwavering commitment.

* [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - The Binding Nature of Vows")
* [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - Do Not Delay in Fulfilling Vows")
* [James 1:26](/james/1-26 "James 1:26 - Religion and the Tongue")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 5:6 serves as a powerful and enduring call to spiritual integrity and thoughtful communication in our daily lives. In a world often characterized by casual promises and fleeting commitments, this verse reminds us of the profound weight of our words, especially when made in the sight of God. It challenges us to cultivate a deep reverence for the divine, recognizing that every utterance, every vow, every commitment we make before God is heard, remembered, and carries significant spiritual implications. We are encouraged to pause, reflect, and consider the gravity of our intentions before speaking, ensuring that our words are aligned with our hearts and our capacity to fulfill them. This applies not only to formal vows but also to our prayers, declarations of faith, and even our casual conversations, fostering a life marked by truthfulness and faithfulness. Ultimately, the verse calls us to live with a discerning spirit, understanding that our relationship with God is not a trivial matter but one that demands our utmost sincerity and respect, lest our spiritual carelessness lead to unintended and severe consequences for our lives and labors.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How seriously do I take my promises and commitments, especially those made in the context of my faith or to God?**
* **In what ways might my "mouth cause my flesh to sin" in my daily interactions or spiritual life?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater reverence and thoughtfulness in my speech and commitments before God?**
* **How does the potential "destruction of the work of thine hands" motivate me to live with greater integrity and faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**Who is "the angel" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "angel" is *mal'akh* (H4397), which literally means "messenger." While it can refer to a celestial being, in biblical contexts, it also frequently refers to human messengers, priests, or prophets. In Ecclesiastes 5:6, "the angel" is best understood as a divine witness or a representative of God (such as a priest in the Temple) before whom vows were made. The emphasis is not on the identity of the specific messenger but on the fact that the vow is made in the presence of an authority or being who represents God, thereby making the commitment sacred and binding. It underscores that such vows are not private affairs but are observed by God.

**What does "destroy the work of thine hands" mean in a practical sense?**

Answer: "The work of thine hands" (H4639 for "work," H3027 for "hands") is a biblical idiom referring to one's labor, efforts, achievements, and the fruits of those labors—essentially, one's prosperity and well-being. When the verse warns that God might "destroy" (H2254) this work, it implies that divine anger over broken vows or careless speech could lead to the nullification, ruin, or failure of a person's endeavors, business, or general prosperity. This is not necessarily a direct, miraculous intervention but could manifest as a lack of success, misfortune, or the undoing of what one has striven to build. It highlights the tangible, real-world consequences that can arise from spiritual disobedience and a lack of integrity before God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 5:6, with its stern warning against rash vows and careless speech before God, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant emphasized the rigid adherence to vows under the threat of divine wrath, Christ perfectly fulfilled all righteousness and every divine requirement, including the Law's demands concerning truthfulness and commitment ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Jesus himself taught against the need for oaths, advocating for a simple, consistent truthfulness: "Let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'" ([Matthew 5:37](/matthew/5-37 "Matthew 5:37 - Let Your Yes Be Yes")). This teaching transcends the legalistic concern for vows by establishing a higher standard of radical integrity, where every word spoken reflects the truth of one's heart, making formal oaths unnecessary. Furthermore, Christ's perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice mean that believers are no longer under the condemnation for their failures or broken promises, but are clothed in His righteousness ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Through the New Covenant established in His blood, the emphasis shifts from human effort to keep vows to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. While we are still called to integrity and careful speech, the "destruction of the work of thine hands" is overcome by the eternal security and spiritual prosperity found in Christ, who ensures that our labor "in the Lord is not in vain" ([1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "1 Corinthians 15:58 - Stand Firm in the Lord")). Our true "work of hands" now becomes the Spirit-empowered service and fruit-bearing that glorifies God, secured by His grace rather than our perfect adherence to legalistic vows.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

James 1:26

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.

2 John 1:8

Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

James 3:2

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.

Malachi 2:7

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.

Ecclesiastes 5:1

¶ 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.

Ecclesiastes 5:2

Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter [any] thing before God: for God [is] in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.

Leviticus 5:4

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.