Let not your mouth lead you[a] into sin, and do not say before (A)the messenger[b] that it was (B)a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice and destroy the work of your hands? For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity;[c] but[d] (C)God is the one you must fear.

The Vanity of Wealth and Honor

(D)If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and righteousness, (E)do not be amazed at the matter, (F)for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet higher ones over them.

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 5:6 Hebrew your flesh
  2. Ecclesiastes 5:6 Or angel
  3. Ecclesiastes 5:7 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath”; also verse 10 (see note on 1:2)
  4. Ecclesiastes 5:7 Or For when dreams and vanities increase, words also grow many; but

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