Parallel Verses
A Conservative Version
Better is it that thou should not vow, than that thou should vow and not pay.
New American Standard Bible
It is
King James Version
Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.
Holman Bible
Better that you do not vow than that you vow and not fulfill it.
International Standard Version
it's better that you don't promise than that you do promise and not follow through.
American Standard Version
Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.
Amplified
It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay.
Bible in Basic English
It is better not to take an oath than to take an oath and not keep it.
Darby Translation
Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.
Julia Smith Translation
Good that thou shalt not vow rather than thou shalt vow and not requite.
King James 2000
Better is it that you should not vow, than that you should vow and not pay.
Lexham Expanded Bible
It is better that you not vow than that you vow and not fulfill it.
Modern King James verseion
it is better that you should not vow, than that you should vow and not pay.
Modern Spelling Tyndale-Coverdale
If thou promise anything, pay it; for better it is that thou make no vow than that thou shouldest promise, and not pay.
NET Bible
It is better for you not to vow than to vow and not pay it.
New Heart English Bible
It is better that you should not vow, than that you should vow and not pay.
The Emphasized Bible
Better that thou shouldest not vow, - than vow, and not pay.
Webster
Better is it that thou shouldst not vow, than that thou shouldst vow and not pay.
World English Bible
It is better that you should not vow, than that you should vow and not pay.
Youngs Literal Translation
Better that thou do not vow, than that thou dost vow and dost not complete.
Topics
Interlinear
References
Word Count of 20 Translations in Ecclesiastes 5:5
Verse Info
Context Readings
Listen To God Rather Than Uttering Rash Vows
4 When thou vow a vow to God, defer not to pay it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay that which thou vow. 5 Better is it that thou should not vow, than that thou should vow and not pay. 6 Do not allow thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin, nor say thou before the [heavenly] agent, that is was an error. Why should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thy hands?
Phrases
Names
Cross References
Proverbs 20:25
It is a snare to a man to say rashly, [It is] holy. And to make inquiry after vows.
Acts 5:4
While it remained, did it not remain to thee? And after it was sold, it was in thine authority. Why is it that thou have placed this matter in thy heart? Thou have not lied to men, but to God.
Deuteronomy 23:22
But if thou shall forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee.