For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity;[a] but[b] (A)God is the one you must fear.

The Vanity of Wealth and Honor

(B)If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and righteousness, (C)do not be amazed at the matter, (D)for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet higher ones over them. But this is gain for a land in every way: a king committed to cultivated fields.[c]

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 5:7 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath”; also verse 10 (see note on 1:2)
  2. Ecclesiastes 5:7 Or For when dreams and vanities increase, words also grow many; but
  3. Ecclesiastes 5:9 The meaning of the Hebrew verse is uncertain

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