Amplified Bible
Ecclesiastes 5:3
3For the dream comes through much effort, and the voice of the fool through many words.
Ecclesiastes 5:3 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool’s voice is known by multitude of words.
- New International Version (NIV)A dream comes when there are many cares, and many words mark the speech of a fool.
- English Standard Version (ESV)For a dream comes with much business, and a fool's voice with many words.
- New King James Version (NKJV)For a dream comes through much activity, And a fool’s voice is known by his many words.
Context of Ecclesiastes 5:3
1Guard your steps and focus on what you are doing as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the [careless or irreverent] sacrifice of fools; for they are too ignorant to know they are doing evil. 2Do not be hasty with your mouth [speaking careless words or vows] or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter before God. For God is in heaven and you are on earth; therefore let your words be few. For the dream comes through much effort, and the voice of the fool through many words. 4When you make a vow or a pledge to God, do not put off paying it; for God takes no pleasure in fools [who thoughtlessly mock Him]. Pay what you vow. 5It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay.
Read all of Ecclesiastes 5Ecclesiastes 5:3 word by word
כִּ֛י בָּ֥א הַחֲל֖וֹם בְּרֹ֣ב עִנְיָ֑ן וְק֥וֹל כְּסִ֖יל בְּרֹ֥ב דְּבָרִֽים׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Ecclesiastes 5:3
- Ecclesiastes 10:12The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious and win him favor, but the lips of a fool consume him;
- Proverbs 10:19When there are many words, transgression and offense are unavoidable, But he who controls his lips and keeps thoughtful silence is wise.
- Proverbs 15:2The tongue of the wise speaks knowledge that is pleasing and acceptable, But the [babbling] mouth of fools spouts folly.
Commentaries on Ecclesiastes 5:3
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 3For a dream cometh - That is, as dreams are generally the effect of the business in which we have been engaged during the day; so a multitude of words evidence the feeble workings of the foolish heart.Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 3many cares...many words: We should aim for moderation in our actions and speech (see Proverbs 10:19).Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 33. As much "business," engrossing the mind, gives birth to incoherent "dreams," so many words, uttered inconsiderately in prayer, give birth to and betray "a fool's speech" (Ec 10:14), [Holden and Weiss]. But Ec 5:7 implies that the "dream" is not a comparison, but the vain thoughts of the fool (sinner, Psa 73:20), arising from multiplicity of (worldly) "business." His "dream" is that God hears him for his much speaking (Mt 6:7), independently of the…Read the comment
Topics related to Ecclesiastes 5:3
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Ecclesiastes 5
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Rashi on Tanakh
- Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
Amplified Bible — © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631
Commentaries