In the biblical tradition, a vow is a solemn promise made to God, often accompanied by a specific commitment or sacrifice. According to Numbers, a vow is considered binding, and Deuteronomy emphasizes the importance of fulfilling vows made to the Lord. The wisdom literature, such as Ecclesiastes, cautions against making rash vows, while James urges believers to be mindful of the power of their words. Jesus teaches in Matthew that vows should be made with integrity, and that it is better to speak the truth simply than to make oaths that may be broken.
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Then Moses said to the heads of the tribes of Israel, “This is what the LORD has commanded: If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised.
Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, so that you will not fall under judgment.
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: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor should you swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ Anything more comes from the evil one.
If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to keep it, because He will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of 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.
If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised.
It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly, only later to reconsider his vows.