Ecclesiastes 5:7

"Don’t allow your mouth to lead you into sin. Don’t protest before the messenger that this was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice, and destroy the work of your hands?"

Key Reflection

Ecclesiastes 5:7 emphasizes the importance of vigilance in speech and action. The verse warns against speaking rashly, as words can lead to sin. Additionally, it cautions against protesting to a messenger that something was unintentional, suggesting that such actions might provoke divine anger and jeopardize one’s efforts or work. This advice reflects the cultural context where words had significant weight; thus, caution in speech is paramount to avoid unintended consequences or divine wrath.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

For ... vanities -Or, For so it happens through many dreams and vanities and many words.

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