Ecclesiastes 5 3

Ecclesiastes 5:3 kjv

For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words.

Ecclesiastes 5:3 nkjv

For a dream comes through much activity, And a fool's voice is known by his many words.

Ecclesiastes 5:3 niv

A dream comes when there are many cares, and many words mark the speech of a fool.

Ecclesiastes 5:3 esv

For a dream comes with much business, and a fool's voice with many words.

Ecclesiastes 5:3 nlt

Too much activity gives you restless dreams; too many words make you a fool.

Ecclesiastes 5 verses

Ecclesiastes 5 3 Meaning

Ecclesiastes 5:3 conveys a pragmatic observation through a parallelism. It posits that just as an abundance of mental activity, preoccupation, or anxiety can lead to a restless and disoriented dream state, so too does a multitude of words betray the foolishness of a speaker. The verse illustrates how internal disquiet (business) manifests outwardly (dream), and internal folly (a fool's nature) manifests outwardly (excessive speech). Both are presented as natural consequences of unrestrained thought and behavior, cautioning against unmeasured action and talk, especially in spiritual matters addressed earlier in the chapter.

Ecclesiastes 5 3 Context

Ecclesiastes 5:3 is part of a larger section (5:1-7) in Kohelet’s (the Preacher) discourse that emphasizes reverent behavior and careful speech in the presence of God. The preceding verses warn against being "rash with thy mouth" and "hasty in thy heart" when making vows to God. The analogy of the dream and much business in verse 3 serves to underscore the natural consequence of unregulated internal states manifesting externally. Just as an overloaded mind leads to chaotic dreams, a fool’s untempered inner disposition expresses itself through unrestrained, meaningless, or harmful speech. This sets the stage for the advice against making hasty vows, as such vows often stem from a "multitude of words" rather than careful thought and reverence. The overall context of Ecclesiastes is an exploration of "vanity" or "hebel" – the transient and often futile nature of life "under the sun" without a firm anchoring in God. The observations about dreams and foolish speech contribute to this theme, illustrating ways in which human endeavors and expressions can be empty or uncontrolled.

Ecclesiastes 5 3 Word analysis

• For: (Heb. כִּי - ki) A causal conjunction. It links this verse to the preceding counsel, explaining why one should guard their mouth and heart before God. It offers an illustrative analogy or a principle supporting the previous warning.

• a dream: (Heb. חֲלוֹם - ḥălom) Refers to nocturnal visions. In this context, it signifies a chaotic, disjointed, and often meaningless dream, not a divine or prophetic revelation. Such dreams are distinct from the calm and restful sleep of the untroubled.

• cometh through: Implies a natural outcome or a direct consequence. The "dream" is not something external that invades, but an internal product of an agitated state.

• much business: (Heb. רֹב עִנְיָן - rov 'inyan) "Much business" translates literally as "abundance of occupation" or "greatness of burden/trouble/preoccupation." This term captures a sense of a mind overwhelmed by numerous affairs, anxieties, or incessant thoughts, leading to mental unrest rather than peace.

• and a fool's voice: (Heb. וְקוֹל כְּסִיל - uqol kesil)

  • fool's: (Heb. כְּסִיל - kesil) Not merely someone lacking intellect, but primarily a person who is morally perverse, stubbornly rejects wisdom and God's instruction, and acts recklessly. This type of "fool" is fundamentally self-centered and disregards consequences.
  • voice: Refers to their speech, utterances, or pronouncements. It’s how the fool reveals their inner nature.

• is known by: Implies that this characteristic reveals, betrays, or identifies the speaker as a fool. It is a defining trait by which their true nature is discerned.

• multitude of words: (Heb. רֹב דְּבָרִים - rov devarim) Literally "abundance of words." This mirrors "much business." It refers to verbosity, incessant talking, thoughtless pronouncements, and often, speech devoid of wisdom or substance. This aligns with other wisdom literature critiques of loquacity.

• For a dream cometh through much business;: This phrase highlights the natural consequence of being overwhelmed. Just as a mind burdened by excessive worry or too many tasks produces restless and incoherent dreams, demonstrating a lack of peace and order. This is not about prophetic dreams, but common human experience.

• and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words: This presents a parallel truth. Just as "much business" reveals itself in dreams, the nature of a "fool" is unmasked by their incessant and often senseless talking. It suggests that such a person lacks discernment and restraint, preferring quantity over quality in speech. Both parts of the verse serve as a warning against excess and a lack of self-control.

Ecclesiastes 5 3 Bonus section

The underlying principle in Ecclesiastes 5:3 is the connection between an internal state and its external manifestation, particularly in areas susceptible to human excess. It subtly reinforces the importance of self-control and inner peace. Unlike divine or prophetic dreams, the dream in this verse arises from human turmoil, much like a fool’s words spring from their undisciplined nature. The verse stands as a caution against a lack of proper ordering and discernment in life – whether it be in our daily "business" that infiltrates our sleep or in the way we use our most potent tool, our speech. This observation supports the overall Kohelet message that chasing after various endeavors or desires "under the sun" without heavenly guidance often leads to frustration, emptiness, and ultimately, futility.

Ecclesiastes 5 3 Commentary

Ecclesiastes 5:3 offers a concise, experiential observation rooted in wisdom tradition. The Preacher establishes a clear parallel: an agitated, overburdened mind naturally gives rise to fragmented, restless dreams, just as a foolish person’s character is inevitably revealed by their uncontrolled, profuse speech. Neither phenomenon is arbitrary; both are consequences of internal disquiet or disorder manifesting externally. This verse functions as an illustrative maxim, reinforcing the preceding admonitions against thoughtless vows and impetuous speech before God. It's a call to measured behavior and guarded words. The kesil (fool) is contrasted with the wise person who, through careful listening and judicious speaking, honors God. The imagery of the "multitude of words" paints a picture of vacuousness, where quantity supersedes quality, clarity, or truth, ultimately revealing a heart lacking wisdom or reverence. It’s not just talking much, but talking much that is empty, inappropriate, or harmful, distinguishing them from one who speaks much truth or wisdom.

Examples for practical usage:

• A person consistently overwhelmed with work might find their sleep patterns disrupted by vivid, unceasing dreams, reflecting their waking anxieties.
• Someone who frequently interrupts others, dominates conversations with rambling stories, or speaks without thought to consequences, often reveals a fundamental lack of wisdom or consideration, marking them as foolish.