Ecclesiastes 5:2–12

2 Do not be quick with your mouth,

do not be hasty in your heart

to utter anything before God.n

God is in heaven

and you are on earth,

so let your words be few.o

3 A dreamp comes when there are many cares,

and many words mark the speech of a fool.q

4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it.r He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow.s 5 It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.t 6 Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, “My vow was a mistake.” Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? 7 Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore fear God.u

Riches Are Meaningless

8 If you see the poor oppressedv in a district, and justice and rights denied, do not be surprised at such things; for one official is eyed by a higher one, and over them both are others higher still. 9 The increase from the land is taken by all; the king himself profits from the fields.

10 Whoever loves money never has enough;

whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.

This too is meaningless.

11 As goods increase,

so do those who consume them.

And what benefit are they to the owners

except to feast their eyes on them?

12 The sleep of a laborer is sweet,

whether they eat little or much,

but as for the rich, their abundance

permits them no sleep.w