Ecclesiastes 5:5-7

Expanded Bible

⁵ It is better not to ·promise anything than to promise something and not do it [make a vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it; Deut. 23:21; Prov. 20:25; Matt. 23:16–22]. ⁶ Don’t let your ·words [^Lmouth] cause ·you [^Lyour flesh] to sin, and don’t say to the ·priest at the Temple [^Lmessenger], “·I didn’t mean what I promised [^LIt was a mistake].” ·If you do, God will [^LWhy should God…?] become angry with your words and will destroy ·everything you have worked for [^Lthe work of your hands]. ⁷ Many useless [1:2] ·promises [or words] are like so many dreams; they mean nothing. You should ·respect [or be afraid of; 5:7; 7:18; 8:12, 13] God.