Proverbs 20:25

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about vows:

Proverbs 20:25 (ESV)

It is a snare to say rashly, “It is holy,”

and to reflect only after making vows.

 If you have ever said you would do something or give something and then later wished you had kept your mouth shut, you understand this verse. We all understand the dilemma it is to commit something to someone or something and only later regret it. But the key to this verse is the word, snare. A snare is set by someone, is it not? In God’s Word we know that the snares of life are set either by the World, our Flesh or by the Devil. The bait of the snares may be the over zealousness of our desire for praise from others (our Flesh). Perhaps Satan uses that bait but uses the World as his snare to get us to over commit and to over state what we know later to hold back. Realize that God takes vows very serious. Don’t commit to something you later know is not good!  Notice what was said in this song about the person who God favors and provides stability: 

Psalms 15:4

in whose eyes a vile person is despised,

but who honors those who fear the LORD;

who swears to his own hurt and does not change;

No matter the circumstances, what we swear to vow to the Lord we are to complete.

See also:

Numbers 30:2 (ESV)

If a man vows a vow to the LORD, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.

Psalms 50:14 (ESV)

Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving,

and perform your vows to the Most High,

Psalms 56:12 (ESV)

I must perform my vows to you, O God;

I will render thank offerings to you.

Psalms 61:8 (ESV)

So will I ever sing praises to your name,

as I perform my vows day after day.

Psalms 65:1 (ESV)

O God of Our Salvation

TO THE CHOIRMASTER. A PSALM OF DAVID. A SONG.

Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion,

and to you shall vows be performed.

Psalms 116:14 (ESV)

I will pay my vows to the LORD

in the presence of all his people.

Psalms 116:18 (ESV)

I will pay my vows to the LORD

in the presence of all his people,

Proverbs 20:25 (ESV)

It is a snare to say rashly, “It is holy,”

and to reflect only after making vows.

Ecclesiastes 5:4 (ESV)

When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow.

Deuteronomy 23:21-22 (ESV)

“If you make a vow to the LORD your God, you shall not delay fulfilling it, for the LORD your God will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of sin. But if you refrain from vowing, you will not be guilty of sin.