Ecclesiastes 5:6

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?

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}?

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?

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?

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?

Ecclesiastes 5:6 delivers a stark warning about the seriousness of vows and careless speech in the presence of God, emphasizing the severe consequences of treating spiritual commitments lightly.

Context

This verse flows directly from the preceding verses in Ecclesiastes Chapter 5, which admonish the reader to approach God with reverence and thoughtfulness. Ecclesiastes 5:1-5 warns against rashness in making vows and encourages listening rather than offering "the sacrifice of fools." The Preacher, or Qoheleth, consistently highlights the importance of wisdom and fear of God in all aspects of life, especially in one's relationship with the divine.

Key Themes

  • The Gravity of Vows and Speech: The phrase "Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin" underscores that words spoken, particularly solemn promises or vows made to God, carry immense weight. Careless or insincere speech can lead to spiritual and personal transgression, affecting one's entire being ("flesh").
  • Accountability Before God: "Neither say thou before the angel, that it [was] an error" speaks to the accountability believers have for their commitments. The "angel" (Hebrew: mal'akh, meaning "messenger" or "angel") can refer to a divine messenger, a temple priest who witnesses vows, or even a literal angel observing human actions. It signifies that such vows are made in the presence of divine witnesses and are not forgotten by God. To claim it was an "error" is to attempt to retract or diminish a sacred promise, which is considered an offense.
  • Divine Consequences for Disregard: The rhetorical question, "wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?" serves as a powerful deterrent. It warns that God's anger is a just response to broken vows or irreverent speech, and this divine displeasure can manifest in the destruction of one's labor, efforts, and prosperity. This highlights the practical, tangible consequences of spiritual negligence. For similar warnings about the consequences of broken vows, see Numbers 30:2 and Deuteronomy 23:21-23.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "angel" (מַלְאָךְ - mal'akh) can indeed mean a celestial being, but in this context, it might also refer to a human messenger, a priest, or even a representative of God. The emphasis is on the fact that the vow is made before a divine authority or witness, making any retraction a serious affront. The phrase "destroy the work of thine hands" vividly illustrates the potential for God to nullify or bring to naught all human effort and labor as a consequence of spiritual disobedience.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 5:6 serves as a timeless reminder about the sanctity of our words, especially those spoken in the context of faith. It encourages:

  • Careful Speech: To ponder our words before speaking, particularly when making promises or commitments to God or others. This aligns with New Testament wisdom on the power of the tongue, as seen in James 3:6.
  • Integrity and Fulfilling Vows: To faithfully keep our promises and commitments, understanding that they are heard and remembered by God. This principle of integrity is foundational to a strong relationship with the divine.
  • Reverence in Worship: To approach God with humility, sincerity, and genuine respect, recognizing the seriousness of our spiritual walk and communication with the Almighty.

Ultimately, this verse calls for spiritual discernment and integrity, ensuring that our words and actions reflect a genuine fear and reverence for God, lest our "flesh" be caused to sin and our "work" be destroyed.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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