If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth. Numbers 30:2 KJV
The message is unmistakably clear; one who makes a vow to God shall not break his word. A vow is a voluntary commitment to do something that pleases God or to abstain from certain practices to demonstrate devotion to Him. I often hear people say, “If God will do such and such, then I will do such and such.” It always makes me nervous because I know that the people making them will likely not keep their part of the promise. Scripture warns against making such foolish vows (Ecclesiastes 5:4) because God holds us accountable to them. Jesus said it is better not to make a vow at all. Instead, we should just be people of our word and do what we say we will do (Matthew 5:34-37).
Lord, I want to do that which is pleasing to You and to abstain from that which does not please You, but I can do both without making vows I may not be able to keep. Help me to just be consistent in my relationship with You, both in the things I say and the things I do.
