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