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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 makes a vow to the LORD, or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth. Numbers 30:1-2 NKJV
As you work your way through the Pentateuch, you’ll see that believers in the Old Testament could make a Nazirite vow, a vow of abstinence, a vow of giving to the poor, and more. These vows were voluntary, but once they were made, they were binding between God and man. You’d do well to keep in mind what Ecclesiastes 5:5 (NKJV) says: “Better not to vow than to vow and not pay.”
New Testament believers do not make vows in the sense that believers did in the old covenant. In Matthew 5:33-35 (NKJV), Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said to those of old. “You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord’. But I say to you, do not swear at all.”
With that said, your word is your bond. If you make a promise to somebody, make every effort to follow through on your promise, no matter how difficult it is. Failing to do so will harm your witness for Christ.
Prayer: Lord, may I only make promises I can keep.
As you work your way through the Pentateuch, you’ll see that believers in the Old Testament could make a Nazirite vow, a vow of abstinence, a vow of giving to the poor, and more. These vows were voluntary, but once they were made, they were binding between God and man. You’d do well to keep in mind what Ecclesiastes 5:5 (NKJV) says: “Better not to vow than to vow and not pay.”
New Testament believers do not make vows in the sense that believers did in the old covenant. In Matthew 5:33-35 (NKJV), Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said to those of old. “You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord’. But I say to you, do not swear at all.”
With that said, your word is your bond. If you make a promise to somebody, make every effort to follow through on your promise, no matter how difficult it is. Failing to do so will harm your witness for Christ.
Prayer: Lord, may I only make promises I can keep.