Ecclesiastes 5:6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In the multitude of dreams, there is a great deal of emptiness and idle talk. Therefore, revere God. The Jews interpret this saying as a warning: refrain from engaging in what has already been discussed and do not take dreams lightly. When you find yourself at rest during the night and various visions are presented to you, possibly filling your soul with fears or unsettling dreams, you should dismiss these dream images and revere God alone. For those who trust in dreams will become ensnared in vanities and unholy desires. Moreover, as I have stated and commanded, do not allow your speech to lead you into sin; do not seek various justifications.

Just as numerous dreams can prove to be meaningless, many words can also be without substance. However, the reverence for God brings salvation to humanity, even though it is rarely recognized.

The preacher reflects on the numerous experiences of life. Observing how individuals harm one another, he concludes that it might be preferable not to exist than to endure such vast amounts of suffering (4:1-3). He notes the fervent efforts of a merchant striving to excel beyond his peers, driven by envy, vanity, and jealousy. In contrast, another man succumbs to laziness, wasting away in idleness and ultimately dying foolishly. It is wise to steer clear of both extremes and to calmly work towards obtaining what is essential to meet one’s needs (4:6).