Ecclesiastes 5:1-17 Niv

For Reading and Meditation:     Ecclesiastes 5:8-12

Solomon is being cynical again. The rich tend to be the leaders, he says, and the poor the followers. Those with wealth are usually the most influential, and they are expert at appointing officials to watch over officials. In time, the "red tape" becomes so thick the poor have no hope of cutting through it. Solomon...

For Reading and Meditation:     Ecclesiastes 5:13-17

Solomon is still harping on about money. Pretty boring you might think. But isn't he putting his finger on the pulse of our problems? We try to find in gold what we ought to be finding in God. Consider this, says Solomon: "Savings are put into risky investments that turn sour, and soon there is nothing left to...

For Reading and Meditation:     Ecclesiastes 5:4-7

Did you know the more talkative you are, the more likely you are to fall into sin? If you have any doubt about that, read Proverbs 10:19. In the verses before us today, Solomon identifies another danger - making promises to God which we fail to deliver. How many of us in...

For Reading and Meditation:     Ecclesiastes 5:1-3

In this chapter, we catch Solomon in one of those rare moments when he breaks free of his cynical frame of mind - so let's make the most of it! He begins with a strong and positive declaration: "Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen ..." The Living Bible paraphrases it thus: "As you...

We have all heard of the man who, when he finds himself in a tight spot, makes a vow to God. He promises that if God delivers him, he will trust, love and serve Him forever. But when he escapes from the crisis, he forgets all about the vow and goes on living the same old life.

What place do vows have in the life of a Christian, and what guidelines are given in the Word on this subject?

First of all, it is not necessary to make vows. They are not commanded, but are generally...

When you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.They … called on the name of Baal from morning even till noon, saying, “O Baal, hear us!” Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, “God, I thank You that I am not like...