Ecclesiastes 5:6

Suffer not thy mouth By any rash vow, or in any other way; to cause thy flesh to sin That is, thyself: the word flesh being often put for the whole man; neither say thou before the angel That is, as some interpret the expression, before the blessed angels, (the singular number being put for the plural,) who are present in the public assemblies, in which these vows were generally paid, (Psalms 66:13,) where they observe men's religious performances, (1 Corinthians 11:10,) and, as they rejoice in the conversion of a sinner, so are displeased with the sins of men. Or, 2d, Christ may be meant, the Angel of the covenant, as he is called Malachi 3:1; who, even in these ancient times, acted as God's messenger, appearing and speaking to the patriarchs and prophets in his Father's name; and who was, and, according to his promise, is, in an especial manner, present in all religious assemblies, observing the whole conduct of all that worship in them. Or, 3d, as many think more probable, the priest, or minister of holy things, is here intended. Such persons are often called angels, or, as the Hebrew word here used is commonly rendered, messengers. And this title may be given to the priest here, because the vow made to God was to be paid to the priest, as one standing and acting in God's name and stead; and it belonged to him, as God's angel or ambassador, to discharge persons from their vows when there was just occasion. It was an error I did unadvisedly in making such a vow. Wherefore should God be angry Why wilt thou provoke God to anger by these frivolous excuses? And destroy the work of thy hands Blast all thy labours, and particularly that work or enterprise for the success whereof thou didst make these vows.