Ecclesiastes 5:5

Cebuano CBV

Labi pang maayo nga dili ikaw manaad kay sa manaad ka ug dili mobayad.

What Does This Mean?

Ecclesiastes 5:5 tells us it's better not to make a promise than to make one and not keep it. The speaker, traditionally King Solomon, emphasizes the importance of keeping one's word.

Explained for Children

Imagine you promise to clean your room to get a cookie, but then you don’t clean it. It's better not to make that promise at all. This verse teaches us that it's important to keep our promises.

Historical Background

Ecclesiastes was written by King Solomon, a wise ruler of Israel, around the 10th century BCE. It addresses the futility of life's pursuits without God and was meant for a general audience, offering philosophical reflections on life's meaning.

Living It Out Today

In a modern scenario, if you commit to helping a friend move but can't make it, it's better to not promise in the first place. This verse encourages us to think before we make commitments we can't keep.

Topics

• wisdom
• commitment
• promises
• trust
• integrity
• honesty

Related Verses

• Proverbs 20:25
• Psalm 15:4
• Luke 14:28
• James 5:12
• Ecclesiastes 5:4

Recommended Reading

Commentary Ecclesiastes Commentaries → Get This Bible Cebuano CBV Study Bible →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to make promises if you're not sure you can keep them?

According to Ecclesiastes 5:5, it's better not to make a promise than to make one and not keep it, so it's best to be cautious and only make promises you're confident you can fulfill.

How does this verse apply to marriage vows?

In marriage, making a vow is a serious commitment. This verse encourages thinking carefully before making such a promise to ensure you can uphold it for the long term.

What if you have good intentions but circumstances change?

Even with good intentions, unexpected changes can affect your ability to fulfill a promise. This verse suggests being cautious with your commitments and considering all possibilities before making them.

Does this verse apply to religious vows as well?

Yes, this verse applies to all types of vows, including religious ones. It emphasizes the importance of integrity and keeping one's word in all aspects of life.