Ecclesiastes 5:1 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

And be more ready to hear, &c.— For, to be ready to obey is a better sacrifice than the gift of fools; because they know not when they do evil. It is plain that Solomon intended to oppose the course which he advises us to take when we go into the house of God, to that which is generally pursued by fools, or those who are ignorant of divine knowledge: but the beauty of that opposition is almost entirely lost in modern versions, through the turn given to the whole sentence. By means of the translation here offered, two sorts of sacrifices are distinctly opposed to each other; namely, a sacrifice of obedience, wherein the most essential part of the wise man's worship consists; and a sacrifice of oblations, wherewith the ignorant foolishly imagines he can render to God all that he owes him. The paranomasia in the original might, perhaps, be thus preserved in our language; "An offering of obedience is a sacrifice preferable to the gift of fools." The particulars hitherto alleged in support of the main argument may be viewed in very different lights, as appears by the apprehensions of those who would exclude this book from the canon: though they are really calculated to instil the fear of God, and a thorough reverence of him into men's hearts; yet some might imagine that they are apt to produce an effect directly contrary to that respect and reverence which we owe to the Almighty: the sacred orator, being aware of this, thought proper here to insert a few admonitions concerning that respect and reverence. I. Though some may be apt to infer from the obvious vanity of every thing in this world, that God does not concern himself about human affairs; yet never go into his house only for form's sake. II. When you resort thither, be mindful of your duty to him; and remember, that such a continual watchfulness over yourself as the ignorant and giddy are not capable of, is more acceptable to him than any form of outward worship.