The Importance of Reverence (Ecc 5:1–7)

Because life is often frustrating and confusing, it can be easy to become cynical and flippant toward God. Solomon takes time now to warn the reader about this danger and emphasize the importance of fearing and revering God. He calls on the reader to use care and caution when approaching God in worship (5:1). He is not advising against worship, but against irreverent worship.
He warns us to be careful in our words (and thoughts) to and about God (5:2). God is not merely another person; he is the God of heaven, the Sovereign of the Universe. It is better to be guarded in one’s words than to speak ill-advisedly. Many people think of God as just another “buddy” and forget who God really is. The more you talk, the more opportunities for evil you have (Prov 10:19). It is difficult to talk a lot and still remain a wise (godly) person (cf. Jas 3:1). Just as too much activity brings restless dreams, so too much talking renders one a fool (5:3).
Along the same lines, one should not make promises to God lightly. The Old Testament believers made vows to God in prayer, and when God answered, they were to “pay their vows” by offering the appropriate sacrifices they had promised to God. The Preacher encourages the readers to fulfill their vows and bring the promised sacrifices, because God deserves to be revered and honored (5:4). If you cannot or will not pay your vow, it would be better not to have promised it (5:5). Again, a wise person is very careful about what he says because he realizes that he is accountable to God (5:6).
We must not treat God lightly, but fear and reverence him (5:7). He is not another human being, but he is the completely holy God. He should be treated as such, and our speech ought to reflect the fact that we acknowledge God’s existence and his right to judge us for our actions.