Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?

ECCLESIASTES 5:6KJV
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Ecclesiastes 5:6 (KJV)

What does Ecclesiastes 5:6 mean?

Ecclesiastes 5:6 warns not to let careless words lead to sin or wrongdoing, and not to make excuses before a heavenly messenger by claiming a promise or vow was a mistake, because God may become angry and undo the good things you have done. The verse highlights the seriousness of what we say, especially in the context of vows or promises made before God.

The speaker is traditionally understood to be Solomon, addressing anyone who approaches God, especially in worship or at the temple. The situation is about making vows or promises to God and then trying to back out by saying it was an error. The verse stresses that words have real consequences, and treating them lightly can bring negative results from God.

The Hebrew behind Ecclesiastes 5:6

  • "Angel" (מַלְאָךְ, mal’akh) here is often understood as a messenger or representative of God, possibly a priest in the temple context, not necessarily a supernatural being. This highlights that the warning is about accountability before God’s appointed representatives as well as God Himself.
  • "Error" (שְׁגָגָה, shegagah) means a mistake or unintentional sin. The verse warns against trying to excuse a broken promise as just a slip-up, rather than taking responsibility.
  • "Destroy" (חָבַל, chaval) carries the sense of ruining or undoing. The warning is that God may not only be displeased, but could actually take away the results of your efforts if you treat your words carelessly.

Why Ecclesiastes 5:6 matters

  • Ecclesiastes 5:6 clarifies that words, especially promises made to God, are not easily dismissed or excused; they have weight and real-world consequences.
  • The verse connects to the broader passage about reverence and honesty in worship, showing that God values integrity over empty rituals or careless speech.
  • This verse helps correct the common idea that intentions or excuses can always cover for broken promises, emphasizing instead that God expects sincerity and follow-through.

Where else these words appear

“error” Hebrew H7684 · used in 18 verses

  • Leviticus 4:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a soul shall sin through ignorance against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which ought not to be done, and shall do against any of them:
  • Leviticus 22:14 And if a man eat of the holy thing unwittingly, then he shall put the fifth part thereof unto it, and shall give it unto the priest with the holy thing.
  • Numbers 15:29 Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, both for him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them.

“destroy” Hebrew H2254 · used in 25 verses

  • Exodus 22:26 If thou at all take thy neighbour's raiment to pledge, thou shalt deliver it unto him by that the sun goeth down:
  • Job 34:31 Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more:
  • Isaiah 13:5 They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, even the LORD, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land.

“angry” Hebrew H7107 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 40:2 And Pharaoh was wroth against two of his officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the bakers.
  • Deuteronomy 9:19 For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure, wherewith the LORD was wroth against you to destroy you. But the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also.
  • Isaiah 47:6 I was wroth with my people, I have polluted mine inheritance, and given them into thine hand: thou didst shew them no mercy; upon the ancient hast thou very heavily laid thy yoke.