Lesson 19
Ecclesiastes
The Things That Don't
Work!
Review:
5:3 For
the dream comes through much effort and the voice of a fool through many words.
-
Solomon establishes a comparison between dreaming and many words, much talking
-
His conclusion in 5:7 makes this clear -
For in many
dreams and in many words there is emptiness.
-
This leads to emptiness and is as much a distraction of one's spiritual advance
as is much talking. Prov 10:19
5:4-5 MAKE A COMMITMENT AND KEEP IT (God takes what you say seriously and doesn't forget
it)
5:4 When
you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no
delight in fools. Pay what you vow!
5:5 It
is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay.
-
DT 23:21-23 from which this is quoted,
gives us God's vpt related to vows, pledges or oaths.
-
The fool here is the one who is speaking
empty vows - ones which he has no intention of complying with.
As a bel'r our word
is to be characterized by integrity. Say what we mean and mean what we say.
Other pertinent
passages Ps 66:13-14; 50:14; 76:11
Some examples of commitments that you may have made
to God.
#1
- I made a commitment to meet with God each day for a few minutes of prayer and
Bible reading. Or
#2 - I
made a commitment to spend time with my family - to give that a high
priority. Or
#3
- When I heard God's Word address the subject of purity, I made a vow to remain
morally pure for my future marriage partner.
or
#4
- Years ago I took a vow at an altar with the person I loved, where I promised
to be faithful for the rest of my life.
The command here in
verse 4 to Pay what you vow is a reminder, "keep your word!”
Rem: a vow is
voluntary, but when made is a commitment to accountability.
If
we just think about a rebel prophet and a big fish we will miss the real secret
of the story.
Sometimes it takes a
difficult, painful experience like being tossed overboard, like being fired
from a job, or being laid aside by illness, like being pushed into a corner
through a painful relationship breakdown, to teach us the importance of a vow,
keeping our commitments to God.
5:6
Don’t decide now and deny later
5:6 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?
- no
angel here as in KJV: word is mal'ak
just like angelos in Gk is used of a messenger
In today's
vernacular to say it was a mistake (shaghaghah - hg"g"v. )
will not wash, with God.
**
Point is we need to take our communication with God seriously because He does
and it incurs His anger and punishment and He destroys/ruins (piel chabal)
renders unsuccessful this one's production.
An example of this
failure to reverence God and honor ones vows and how God's Justice dealt with
it is seen in Acts 5:1-11.
5:7 Summary and final warning –
exhortation
5:7 For
in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness.
(plural hebelim) Rather, fear God.
Often in OT, dreams
and much speech are connected with false prophets, false teachers who are
usually very skillful in speech. God is not
impressed with them and He "stands against them". Jer 23:23-32
FINAL EXHORTATION -
should guide us not only in Worship but also in life.
Rather, fear God. – yKi kiy = but rather
Observations:
1.
My attitude toward Bible class, my personal commitment and service reflect my
true respect and reverence for God.
2.
We must constantly guard our steps - our pattern of life - so that we don't
fall into the pitfalls of empty worship - sacrifice of fools.
(rem:
God takes no delight in fools vs:4)
-
4 main areas of emphasis from the context - all lead to false, empty,
purposeless worship.
#1
- failure to listen - rejection of the Word (not ready to hear or not what one
wants to hear)
#2
- impulsive or judgmental MA
#3
- failure to follow thru on one's commitments to God
#4
- SOT (sin of
the tongue) - rash speech