Ecclesiastes 5:1–9 offers an interlude before Qoheleth concludes his investigation of life under the sun. This section is distinct from the one that immediately precedes it, as indicated by the repeated references to God, the dominance of imperative verb forms, and the complete absence of first-person verb forms. Here for the first time in the book, the author directly addresses the reader. This section, addressing one’s attitude toward God (5:1–7) and government (5:8–9), in its context may serve to warn against rash responses to the preceding observations of the incongruities and injustices of life under the sun.

In 5:1–7, the author cautions the reader to exercise restraint in various cultic activities, particularly while making vows that involve subsequent voluntary offerings. The occ…