5:1 Guard People should approach God’s presence carefully and with humility.

to offer a sacrifice of fools Refers to sacrifices or any other outward expression of religion done without obedience (1 Sam 15:22; Prov 21:27; Isa 1:11–20).

5:2 God is in heaven, and you are on earth God’s dwelling in heaven often appears in the ot (1 Kgs 8:27–30; Psa 115:16). Instead of asserting divine indifference, this image serves to contrast God’s authority with human limitations.

5:3 the voice of a fool Restraint in speech is a common theme in Wisdom literature. The trouble caused by a fool’s words (Prov 18:6–7) would be avoided by keeping quiet (Prov 21:23); silence makes even a fool seem wise (Prov 17:28). See note on Eccles 3:7.

5:4 do not delay in fulfilling it Leaving a vow unfulfilled was a serious offense. See Num 30:2; Prov 20:25, and Deut 23:21–23, each of which closely resemble this passage.

5:6 it was a mistake The Hebrew word used here, shegagah, refers to an unintentional or inadvertent sin (see Lev 4:2 and note). The Law had specific instruction for atoning for these types of sins (Lev 4:27–31). Here, the sinner’s claim that it was a “mistake” seems to be dishonest.

5:7 fear God The author advises a reverent fear of God as a guard against presumption. See Eccles 3:14 and note.

5:8 violence or do not see justice and righteousness The author laments the lack of justice (mishpat) and righteousness (tsedeq). The prevalence of injustice has been noted in 3:16 and 4:1. Unfairness, oppression, and injustice constitute a large part of what makes life senseless (see note on 1:2).

5:9 the king profits from the field Wisdom literature often speaks of the value of a wise or competent ruler. See note on 10:16.

5:10 is not satisfied with money Wealth does not satisfy—a discovery already made by the author (2:1–11).

5:11 those who consume it increase Highlights the inability to reach any meaningful gains. Material wealth does not satisfy because consumption or appetite increases as much as goods increase.

5:12 does not allow him to rest The desire for wealth is portrayed as a worrying and unsatisfying quest (2:23; 4:4, 8; 5:17; 6:7). Because death ultimately cancels out all gains, working to accumulate wealth is senseless and a futile “striving after wind.” Compare 2:17 and note.

5:14 was lost in a bad venture Not only does the accumulation of wealth fail to satisfy, wealth can also be quickly lost.

5:15 naked, he will depart just as he came Similar to the statement Job makes after losing his wealth and children (Job 1:21). The idea is that you can’t take wealth with you when you die.

he will take nothing with him for his toil The senselessness of leaving one’s wealth to someone who has not earned it (Eccles 2:18–21) and accumulating wealth without having someone to share it with (4:7–8) has already been discussed. In this situation, the loss of wealth leaves the owner with nothing.

5:16 What profit The inability to achieve real gain is emphasized throughout the book. The difficulty of producing a profit through hard work especially troubles the author. See note on 1:3.

all his toil for the wind Equivalent to striving after wind (1:14, 17), which describes a senseless or futile activity. Here, the entire efforts of a person’s life are shown to be futile and senseless. See note on 2:17.

5:17 he is frustrated in much sickness and resentment A direct contrast with the person of the following verses who has the ability to enjoy his wealth.

5:18 enjoy all the fruit of the toil Since striving after wealth does not provide any ultimate contentment, people should learn to enjoy their work. See note on 9:7–10.

this is his lot See note on 3:22.

5:19 he also empowers him to enjoy them God does not simply give away wealth and possessions; instead, He gives the ability to enjoy them and be satisfied. Wealth alone is not fulfilling (vv. 10–12; 4:7–8; 6:2, 7).

accept his lot, and to rejoice in the fruit of his toil The ability to accept and enjoy what God gives is a recurring theme in Ecclesiastes. Since their lives are in God’s hand (9:1) and human wisdom is limited (8:16–17), people should be satisfied with God’s provision—whether good or bad (7:14).

5:20 he does not remember the brief days of The content person enjoys life without being preoccupied with accumulating wealth or possessions (vv. 12, 17; 4:6–8).