Then Moses spoke to the heads of the tribes concerning the children of Israel, saying, “This is the thing which the Lord has commanded: If a man vow a vow to the LORD, or swears an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.” (vv.1-2)
A vow before God is no small thing. Therefore, this instruction was given to the leaders of the tribes of Israel, for them to communicate to all the others in Israel. God expressly commanded that Israel should be careful to keep its vows, and to fulfill every oath made. Yet in many circles today, the breaking of an oath is just standard business practice – but before God, it is sin.
Some today believe that vows or oaths are not permitted for a Christian. They think this because of what Jesus said in Matthew 5:34-37 (see also James 5:12). However, in context of the rest of Scripture, we see that Jesus was not forbidding oaths, as much as telling us that we should be so filled with integrity in our words, that an oath is unnecessary. Furthermore scripture tells us that Jesus answered under oath in a court (Matthew 26:63-64), and that even God Himself swore oaths (Luke 1:73, Acts 2:30, Hebrews 3:18, 6:13, 17). So I think we can safely say vows by Christians are permitted but come with expectations.
Because God takes our vows so seriously, sometimes it is better not to make a vow. Yet when one does make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; for He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed. It is better not to vow than to vow and not pay (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5). Example, “If You will just get me out of this mess, I’ll never do that again” is a foolish vow, and it is foolish and unwise to demand such a vow from someone else too. Our humanity, our sinful nature, our individual weakness set us up for failure. And it is only through His power (not our own) that one is able to break the cycle of his or her foolish actions that lead to unfulfilled vows.
As one grows in Christ, they become something better, something more. Their vows become more heart felt, truth becomes their watchword, and love the foundation of their intentions, not some unintentional outburst. As such, their word becomes their bond and they do not break it. And He can do the same for you if you'll let Him. (see connect with God prayer to the right of this page). God bless.
The Truth
“Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ (Matthew 5:33)
“But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment.” (James 5:12)
