Before we can make a vow, we need to understand the definition of a vow. A vow is a promise or oath. It is not a casual telling someone you will do something, even though not doing what you say is serious because it is a lie. A vow is a solemn promise made to God respecting anything. A vow is your word, and it is to be kept if at all possible. In times past a man’s word was enough. It was worth more than the pieces of paper we sign now to promise we will do something. A handshake usually sealed the deal and that was sufficient. Now, people make solemn promises all the time and intend to keep them, as long as it is convenient. How do I know this? Because the court systems are backlogged with lawsuits where people have not kept their vows to do what they said they would. We see this in business transactions and in marriages.
In the Bible, vows can be seen both in the New and Old Testaments. In Numbers chapter 30, Moses is giving instructions to the heads of each tribe explaining what God had commanded concerning vows made to the Lord. In verse 2, if a man makes a vow or swears an oath it is mandatory that he keep all that proceeds out of his mouth on the matter. This chapter goes on to give the commands concerning other family members where provisions are made for the father to disannul a vow made by a wife or a child, but vows were always to be a serious promise in the sight of God.
Numbers 30:1-2 “And Moses spake unto the heads of the tribes concerning the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded. 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 proceeded out of his mouth.”
In Ecclesiastes 5:5, we are taught that it is better to not make a vow than to make it and not keep it. As was stated in Numbers 30:2, a vow is a bond on the soul. Our circumstances should not dictate the keeping of our vows if there is any way possible to fulfill them. Hannah is a good example of going to great uncomfortable lengths to keep her vow to God concerning her son. In I Samuel 1, she desperately desired a child. In verse 11 she made a vow to God that if He would grant her desire to be a mother, she would give her son back to God to serve in the temple all the days of his life. If you read further in chapter 1, you will find that she kept her vow. When the child was weaned, she brought him to the temple, to the Lord, and left him there to be trained and taught to be God’s servant. Was this a difficult task for Hannah? As a mother, I can assure you it was the hardest thing she had ever done. Yet, she did not allow her pain to govern her actions. She kept her vow.
Ecclesiastes 5:5 “Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.”
I Samuel 1:11 “And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.”
Vows are serious and should be kept. A promise is a promise, and our word should be our bond. Our integrity should not be clouded by the breaking of our word. When we do not keep our word, it is not only a negative mark on our character, but it is dishonoring to our God. First, we are teaching those who do not believe, that God is not big enough to help us to fulfill our obligations. Second, we are showing others our lack of faith in our God. To the lost world, it weakens everything we have told them about the God we serve. Third, we are teaching others it is no big deal to tell a lie. It also shows that we have failed in making the vow. We have made it carelessly and have not taken performing the vow seriously. It gives an indication that we made the vow depending on our own strength and wisdom, rather than depending on the power and grace of God. Therefore, it is vital to your testimony to keep your vow, and when making the vow, to make sure it is feasible to keep it. Before making a vow, we need to be sure it is in accordance with God’s will. If it is, we can rest assured He will provide the means and opportunity to fulfill it.
It’s check-up time. What vows have you made and not kept? It may that you have not thought much about how serious a vow is or that your own feelings and comfort are governing your keeping or not keeping your word. If you have broken vows or promises, seek the forgiveness from God that is granted by His grace and mercy, and then seek the forgiveness of those affected by your decisions.
