Ecclesiastes 5:1
What does Ecclesiastes 5:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Ecclesiastes 5:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God; for to draw nigh to hear is better than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they know not that they do evil.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God; for to draw nigh to hear is better than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they know not that they do evil.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Put your feet down with care when you go to the house of God, for it is better to give ear than to make the burned offerings of the foolish, whose knowledge is only of doing evil.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Keep thy feet when thou goest unto a house of God, and draw near to hear rather than to give of fools the sacrifice, for they do not know they do evil.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Speak not any thing rashly, and let not thy heart be hasty to utter a word before God. For God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house ofGod, and draw near to hear, rather than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they know not that they do evil.
Context
v.1This passage
v.2Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thy heart be hasty to utter anything before God; for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 17:11
Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the scriptures daily, whether these things were so.
- Joshua 5:15
And the prince of Jehovah’s host said unto Joshua, Put off thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.
- Isaiah 66:3
He that killeth an ox is as he that slayeth a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as he that breaketh a dog’s neck; he that offereth an oblation, as he that offereth swine’s blood; he that burneth frankincense, as he that blesseth an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations:
- Proverbs 15:8
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah; But the prayer of the upright is his delight.
- Psalms 50:8
I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices; And thy burnt-offerings are continually before me.
- Malachi 1:10
Oh that there were one among you that would shut the doors, that ye might not kindle fire on mine altar in vain! I have no pleasure in you, saith Jehovah of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Ecclesiastes 5
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Ecclesiastes 5.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Greed
The Bible consistently warns against greed, depicting it as a destructive force that hinders one’s relationship with God and others.
Topic
Bible Verses About Contentment With Money
Enough is a discipline, not a number.
Topic
Bible Verses About Wealth
Wealth is a tool, a test, and a trust — never an identity.
What the Bible says about…