Ecclesiastes 5:4 “When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He…”

Ecclesiastes 5:4

When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow.

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King James Version

When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.

World English Bible

When you vow a vow to God, don’t defer to pay it; for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay that which you vow.

American Standard Version

When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou vowest.

Geneva Bible 1599

It is better that thou shouldest not vowe, then that thou shouldest vow and not pay it.

Darby Translation

When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.

Young's Literal Translation

When thou vowest a vow to God, delay not to complete it, for there is no pleasure in fools; that which thou vowest — complete.

Bible in Basic English

When you take an oath before God, put it quickly into effect, because he has no pleasure in the foolish; keep the oath you have taken.

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Cross references

“vowest”

Numbers 30:2 Deuteronomy 23:21–23 Psalm 76:11 Matthew 5:33 Psalm 50:14 Psalm 119:106

Numbers 30:2 · BSB

If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised.

Deuteronomy 23:21–23 · BSB

If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to keep it, because He will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of sin.

Psalm 76:11 · BSB

Make and fulfill your vows to the LORD your God; let all the neighboring lands bring tribute to Him who is to be feared.

Matthew 5:33 · BSB

Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’

Psalm 50:14 · BSB

Sacrifice a thank offering to God, and fulfill your vows to the Most High.

Psalm 119:106 · BSB

I have sworn and confirmed that I will keep Your righteous judgments.

“for”

Malachi 1:10 Hebrews 10:6 Psalm 147:10 Psalm 147:11

Malachi 1:10 · BSB

“Oh, that one of you would shut the temple doors, so that you would no longer kindle useless fires on My altar! I take no pleasure in you,” says the LORD of Hosts, “and I will accept no offering from your hands.

Hebrews 10:6 · BSB

In burnt offerings and sin offerings You took no delight.

Psalm 147:10 · BSB

He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.

Psalm 147:11 · BSB

The LORD is pleased with those who fear Him, who hope in His loving devotion.

“pay”

Psalm 116:14 Psalm 116:16–18 Jonah 2:9 Psalm 66:13 Psalm 66:14

Psalm 116:14 · BSB

I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people.

Psalm 116:16–18 · BSB

Truly, O LORD, I am Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant; You have broken my bonds.

Jonah 2:9 · BSB

But I, with the voice of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to You. I will fulfill what I have vowed. Salvation is from the LORD!”

Psalm 66:13 · BSB

I will enter Your house with burnt offerings; I will fulfill my vows to You—

Psalm 66:14 · BSB

the vows that my lips promised and my mouth spoke in my distress.

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

3As a dream comes through many cares, so the speech of a fool comes with many words.

5It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.

Read Ecclesiastes 5