Ecclesiastes 5:5 {4}
Good News Translation
Better not to promise at all than to make a promise and not keep it.

New Revised Standard Version
It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not fulfill it.

Contemporary English Version
It's better not to make a promise at all than to make one and not keep it.

New American Bible
It is better not to make a vow than make it and not fulfill it.

Douay-Rheims Bible
And it is much better not to vow, than after a vow not to perform the things promised.

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

And it is much better not to vow, than after a vow not to perform the things promised.

Deuteronomy 23:22 If thou wilt not promise, that shalt be without sin.

Proverbs 20:25 It is ruin to a man to devour holy ones, and after vows to retract.

Acts 5:4 Whilst it remained, did it not remain to thee? And after it was sold, was it not in thy power? Why hast thou conceived this thing in thy heart? Thou hast not lied to men, but to God.

Context
Approaching God with Awe
4If thou hast vowed any thing to God, defer not to pay it: for an unfaithful and foolish promise displeaseth him: but whatsoever thou hast vowed, pay it. 5And it is much better not to vow, than after a vow not to perform the things promised.6Give not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin: and say not before the angel: There is no providence: lest God be angry at thy words, and destroy all the works of thy hands.…
Cross References
Acts 5:4
Whilst it remained, did it not remain to thee? And after it was sold, was it not in thy power? Why hast thou conceived this thing in thy heart? Thou hast not lied to men, but to God.

Deuteronomy 23:21
When thou hast made a vow to the Lord thy God, thou shalt not delay to pay it: because the Lord thy God will require it. And if thou delay, it shall be imputed to thee for a sin.

Judges 11:35
And when he saw her, he rent his garments, and said: Alas! my daughter, thou hast deceived me, and thou thyself art deceived: for I have opened my mouth to the Lord, and I can do no other thing.

Proverbs 20:25
It is ruin to a man to devour holy ones, and after vows to retract.

Jonah 2:9
They that in vain observe vanities, forsake their own mercy.

Ecclesiastes 5:4
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