Topical Bible: Vows: Danger of Inconsiderately Making

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In the biblical context, vows are solemn promises made to God, often in the form of commitments or offerings. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that highlight the seriousness of making vows and the potential dangers of doing so inconsiderately.

Biblical Teachings on Vows

The Bible underscores the gravity of making vows, emphasizing that they should not be made lightly or without careful consideration. In Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 , it is written: "When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow. It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it." This passage highlights the importance of fulfilling vows and the foolishness associated with failing to do so.

Old Testament Examples

The Old Testament provides several examples of vows and the consequences of making them rashly. One notable instance is the vow of Jephthah in Judges 11:30-31 : "Jephthah made a vow to the LORD: 'If You will indeed deliver the Ammonites into my hand, then whatever comes out of the door of my house to greet me on my return in triumph from the Ammonites will belong to the LORD, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering.'" Jephthah's vow, made in the heat of the moment, led to tragic consequences when his daughter was the first to greet him upon his return.

Another example is found in the account of Hannah, who made a vow to dedicate her son to the Lord if He granted her a child (1 Samuel 1:11). Unlike Jephthah, Hannah's vow was made with deep sincerity and careful consideration, and she faithfully fulfilled it by dedicating Samuel to the Lord's service.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of vows in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5:33-37 , He teaches: "Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, 'Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.' But I tell you not to swear at all... Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' Anything more comes from the evil one." Jesus emphasizes the importance of integrity and truthfulness in speech, suggesting that one's word should be sufficient without the need for vows or oaths.

Warnings and Admonitions

The Bible warns against making vows rashly or under compulsion. Proverbs 20:25 states: "It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly, only later to reconsider his vows." This proverb serves as a caution against making hasty commitments that one may later regret or find difficult to fulfill.

Furthermore, the law in Deuteronomy 23:21-23 instructs: "If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to keep it, because He will require it of you, and it will be counted against you as sin. But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty of sin. Be careful to follow through on what comes from your lips, because you have freely vowed to the LORD your God with your own mouth."

Conclusion

The biblical narrative consistently portrays vows as serious commitments that should not be made lightly. The Scriptures encourage believers to approach vows with reverence, sincerity, and a clear understanding of the responsibility they entail.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 20:25
It is a snare to the man who devours that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Ascetic.
... this is not to be hastily and inconsiderately embraced. ... And how great is the danger
of our falling away ... Vows of virginity were among the earliest of religious ...
//christianbookshelf.org/basil/basil letters and select works/iii ascetic.htm

After the Whole People had Been Freed from all Distress...
... permitted to fall into this danger also was ... an unlimited multitude, which Saul then
inconsiderately did, without ... God would not receive their vows, would have ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xiv after the whole.htm

Against Rash and Vain Swearing.
... cause, to incur so horrible a danger, to rush ... to swallow a sacred obligation), and
after vows to make ... at piety and soberness; he inconsiderately followeth a ...
/.../sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/against rash and vain swearing.htm

The Epistle of St. James
... to erroneous doctrine but to the danger of talkativeness ... or to insist upon his own
way inconsiderately, without being ... who have broken their baptismal vows to God ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the epistle of st james.htm

Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... Vows. ... When making such comparisons, there is no wonder that they bring forward ... which
our Saviour gave to his disciples when they inconsiderately wished to ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm