Old Testament
Ecclesiastes 5:7
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
For in many dreams and many words there are also various vanities. But fear God.
Compare translations
For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.
What Ecclesiastes 5:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In life, we often have many dreams and thoughts that can lead us to chase after things that ultimately don’t matter. These distractions can fill our minds with empty hopes and words that don’t bring true fulfillment. The writer reminds us that amidst all this noise, it’s essential to focus on what truly matters. Instead of getting lost in our ambitions or the chatter around us, we should cultivate a deep respect and reverence for God. This fear isn’t about being scared; it’s about recognizing the importance of living in a way that honors the divine. When we prioritize our relationship with God, we find clarity and purpose. It helps us sift through the vanities of life and focus on what is genuinely valuable. In a world filled with fleeting dreams and empty promises, turning our hearts toward God grounds us in reality and gives our lives meaning. This perspective can transform our approach to life, leading us to make choices that reflect our values and beliefs, ultimately guiding us toward a more fulfilling existence.
How to apply Ecclesiastes 5:7 to your life
Take a moment to reflect on your dreams and ambitions. Are they leading you toward true fulfillment, or are they distractions? Make a conscious effort to prioritize your relationship with God, allowing that focus to guide your decisions and actions in daily life. Seek clarity in your pursuits by aligning them with your values and beliefs. Embrace the peace that comes from this alignment, and let it shape your journey forward.
Curated for this public verse page. Ecclesiastes Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Ecclesiastes 5:7
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Ecclesiastes 5:7
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Ecclesiastes
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Solomon
- Written
- Around 935 BC
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- Those searching for life's meaning
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ecclesiastes 5:7 mean?
Ecclesiastes 5:7 highlights the idea that many dreams and words can lead to emptiness or vanity. It emphasizes the importance of fearing God, suggesting that true fulfillment comes from prioritizing a relationship with the divine over chasing fleeting ambitions.
What is the meaning of 'fear God' in Ecclesiastes 5:7?
In Ecclesiastes 5:7, 'fear God' means to have a deep respect and reverence for God. It encourages individuals to recognize the importance of living in a way that honors God, which can provide clarity and purpose in life.
How can I apply Ecclesiastes 5:7 to my life?
To apply Ecclesiastes 5:7, reflect on your dreams and ambitions to see if they align with what truly matters. Prioritize your relationship with God, allowing that focus to guide your decisions and bring clarity to your pursuits.
What themes are present in Ecclesiastes 5:7?
The themes in Ecclesiastes 5:7 include dreams, vanity, the fear of God, purpose, and fulfillment. The verse encourages readers to sift through distractions and focus on what is genuinely valuable in life.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.