Listen to God Rather Than Uttering Rash Vows

5 a Guard your steps when you go to the house of God;

draw near to listen rather than to offer a sacrifice of fools,

for they do not know that they are doing evil.

2 Do not be rash with your mouth,

and do not let your heart be quick to utter a word before God.

For God is in heaven, and you are on earth;

therefore, let your words be few.

3 For a dream comes with many cares,

and the voice of a fool with many words.

4 When you make a vow to God,

do not delay in fulfilling it,

for ⌊he takes no pleasure⌋b in fools.

Fulfill what you vow!

5 It is better that you not vow

than that you vow and not fulfill it.

6 Do not let your mouth lead your flesh into sin,

and do not tell the messenger that it was a mistake.

Why anger God at your words,

so that he destroys the work of your hands?

7 For with many dreams come vanities and numerous words.

Therefore, fear God!