1Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Better to approach in obedience than to offer the sacrifice as fools do,5:1 1Sm 15:22; Mt 5:23–24 for they ignorantly do wrong.

2Do not be hasty to speak, and do not be impulsive to make a speech before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.5:2 Pr 10:19; Mt 6:7

3Just as dreams accompany much labor, so also a fool’s voice comes with many words.5:3 Jb 11:2

4When you make a vow to God,5:4 Nm 30:2; Dt 6:13; 23:21–22; Pr 20:25 don’t delay fulfilling it, because he does not delight in fools. Fulfill what you vow.

5Better that you do not vow than that you vow and not fulfill it.5:5 Pr 20:25; Mt 5:33–37; Ac 5:4; Jms 5:12

6Do not let your mouth bring guilt on you,5:6 Jdg 11:30–31,34 and do not say in the presence of the messenger that it was a mistake.5:6 Nm 15:25 Why should God be angry with your words and destroy the work of your hands?

7For many dreams bring futility; so do many words.5:7 Ec 6:11 Therefore, fear God.

8If you see oppression of the poor5:8 Ec 4:1 and perversion of justice and righteousness in the province, don’t be astonished at the situation,5:8 1Pt 4:12 because one official protects another official, and higher officials protect them.

9The profit from the land is taken by all; the king is served by the field.5:9 Hb obscure5:9 Pr 27:23–27