Bible Strands
Ecclesiastes 5:7
For as many dreams bring futility, so do many words. Therefore, fear God.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The Preacher addresses covenant worshipers regarding temple vows and speech, placing this instruction immediately after a warning against rash promises and before an observation on systemic injustice.
The words — The phrase בְּרֹב חֲלֹמוֹת וְהָבָלִים (be’rov ḥalomot veḥavalim) literally translates to “in abundance of dreams and futilities,” while דְּבָרִים הַרְבֵּה (devarim harbeh) reads “many words,” establishing a direct parallel between excessive dreaming and excessive talking.
The thread — This warning against careless speech aligns with Matthew 12:36, which states that every idle word will require an account on judgment day, and the verse’s concluding imperative echoes the covenant summary in Ecclesiastes 12:13.
Why it lands — The text commands readers to recognize that uncontrolled speech and idle speculation produce emptiness, and it directs them to respond by fearing God rather than trusting their own words or visions.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.
Cross-references
- Matthew 12:36 But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.
- Ecclesiastes 12:13 When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man.
- Ecclesiastes 8:12 Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and still lives long, yet I also know that it will go well with those who fear God, who are reverent in His presence.
- Proverbs 23:17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always continue in the fear of the LORD.
- Ecclesiastes 5:3 As a dream comes through many cares, so the speech of a fool comes with many words.
- Isaiah 50:10 Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of His Servant? Who among you walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD; let him lean on his God.
- Ecclesiastes 7:18 It is good to grasp the one and not let the other slip from your hand. For he who fears God will follow both warnings.
- Ecclesiastes 3:14 I know that everything God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God does it so that they should fear Him.