Ecclesiastes 5:7

For in the multitude of dreams and many words [there are] also [divers] vanities: but fear thou God.

For in the multitude {H7230} of dreams {H2472} and many {H7235} words {H1697} there are also divers vanities {H1892}: but fear {H3372} thou God {H430}.

For [this is what happens when there are too] many dreams, aimless activities and words. Instead, just fear God!

For as many dreams bring futility, so do many words. Therefore, fear God.

For in the multitude of dreams there are vanities, and in many words: but fear thou God.

Ecclesiastes 5:7 serves as a pivot point in the Preacher’s discourse on wisdom, shifting from the dangers of empty religious practices and human folly to the singular, essential antidote: a reverent relationship with God. This verse contrasts the futility of human endeavors with the eternal significance of divine fear.

Context

This verse follows a series of warnings in Ecclesiastes 5 about approaching God with proper reverence and caution. The Preacher advises against making rash vows and speaking quickly before God, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling one's promises to the Almighty. The "multitude of dreams and many words" refers back to the empty, often boastful, or thoughtless expressions that characterize much of human interaction, especially in religious contexts, which ultimately lead to nothing but "divers vanities."

Key Themes

  • The Vanity of Folly: The phrase "multitude of dreams and many words" points to idle thoughts, fanciful imaginings, or even empty promises, and excessive, meaningless talk. These are categorized as "divers vanities," highlighting the pervasive theme in Ecclesiastes that much of human effort and speculation apart from God is ultimately without lasting substance. This echoes the book's overarching declaration, "Vanity of vanities; all is vanity."
  • The Centrality of Fearing God: In stark contrast to the futility of human folly, the verse delivers a profound command: "but fear thou God." This is not a call to terror, but to a deep, reverential awe and respect for the Creator. It implies acknowledging His sovereignty, obeying His commands, and living in conscious awareness of His presence. This counsel is the bedrock of true wisdom and the ultimate conclusion of the Preacher's search for meaning, as reiterated in Ecclesiastes 12:13.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "vanity" is hebel (הֶבֶל), which frequently appears throughout Ecclesiastes. It literally means "vapor" or "breath," conveying a sense of fleetingness, emptiness, and futility. When applied to "dreams" and "many words," it suggests that these human endeavors lack substance and ultimate value. The command to "fear God" uses the Hebrew word yirah (יִרְאָה), which denotes a profound reverence, awe, and respect that leads to obedience, rather than simple terror. It's about recognizing God's majesty and authority.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 5:7 offers timeless wisdom for modern life. It challenges us to evaluate our words and thoughts, asking whether they are filled with substance or merely "vanity." In an age of constant communication and digital noise, the warning against "many words" reminds us of the value of thoughtful communication and the dangers of empty rhetoric or idle chatter. More importantly, it directs our focus to the only stable foundation: a genuine, reverential fear of God. This means living with integrity, keeping our promises, and prioritizing our relationship with the Divine above all fleeting earthly pursuits. Cultivating this healthy "fear of God" leads to true peace and purpose, safeguarding us from the endless cycles of meaningless endeavors.

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.

  • Ecclesiastes 12:13

    ¶ Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man.

  • Matthew 12:36

    But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

  • Ecclesiastes 8:12

    Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his [days] be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him:

  • Ecclesiastes 5:3

    For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice [is known] by multitude of words.

  • Ecclesiastes 3:14

    I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth [it], that [men] should fear before him.

  • Proverbs 23:17

    ¶ Let not thine heart envy sinners: but [be thou] in the fear of the LORD all the day long.

  • Isaiah 50:10

    ¶ Who [is] among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh [in] darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.

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