The Bible speaks about vows with seriousness, encouraging us to keep our promises. God values our words and commitments. Today, let’s look at how Scripture guides us in making and keeping vows.
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What Does The Bible Say About Vows
Deuteronomy 23:21
“If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to pay it, for the LORD your God will certainly demand it of you and you will be guilty of sin.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our vows and promises to God. It reminds us that making a vow is a serious commitment, and it should not be taken lightly. God holds us accountable for the vows we make, and failing to fulfill them is considered a sin.
Ecclesiastes 5:4-5
“When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.”
In these verses, we are urged to act with integrity and promptly fulfill our vows to God. God expects us to follow through with our commitments and warns against making vows that we do not intend to keep. The message is clear: it is better not to make a vow at all than to make one and fail to honor it.
Numbers 30:2
“If a man makes a vow to the LORD or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of keeping our word and honoring the commitments we make to God. It teaches us to be people of integrity who follow through on our promises. Breaking our vows not only dishonors God but also undermines our own trustworthiness and credibility.
Psalm 61:8
“Then I will ever sing in praise of your name and fulfill my vows day after day.”
This verse reflects a heart that is committed to praising God and fulfilling vows consistently. It highlights the joy and gratitude that come from honoring our commitments to the Lord. When we choose to remain faithful in fulfilling our vows, we experience a deeper connection with God and a life filled with praise.
Proverbs 20:25
“It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows.”
This verse serves as a warning against making impulsive or hasty vows. It cautions us to carefully consider the consequences and responsibilities attached to our commitments before making them. Making vows without thoughtful consideration can lead to regret and difficulties in fulfilling our obligations.
Psalm 50:14
“Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High.”
This verse encourages us to offer thanksgiving to God and fulfill the vows we have made to Him. It reminds us that our worship should go beyond mere rituals and include sincere acts of obedience and faithfulness. When we fulfill our vows, we demonstrate our love and devotion to God.
Jonah 2:9
“But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the LORD.’”
These words of Jonah, after being delivered from the belly of the fish, reveal his commitment to fulfill his vow to God. He acknowledges the source of salvation and offers thanksgiving through sacrifice. This verse reminds us that fulfilling our vows is a way to express gratitude for God’s deliverance in our lives.
Psalm 76:11
“Make vows to the LORD your God and fulfill them; let all the neighboring lands bring gifts to the One to be feared.”
This verse encourages us not only to make vows to the Lord but also to follow through and fulfill them. It suggests that fulfilling our vows brings honor to God and should inspire others to worship and offer gifts to the Lord. Our faithfulness in fulfilling our vows can be a powerful testimony to those around us.
Jeremiah 44:25
“This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: You and your wives have done what you said you would do when you promised, ‘We will certainly carry out the vows we made to burn incense and pour out drink offerings to the Queen of Heaven.’ “Go ahead then, do what you promised! Keep your vows!”
This verse confronts those who made vows to false gods and encourages them to keep their promises. The Lord calls them out on their hypocrisy, reminding them that they should honor their vows and commitments, even if they were misguided. It emphasizes the importance of integrity and faithfulness in our words and actions.
Psalm 56:12
“I am under vows to you, my God; I will present my thank offerings to you.”
Here, the psalmist declares his dedication to God and promises to present thank offerings. It reflects a heart that recognizes the importance of fulfilling vows made to the Creator. It serves as a reminder that our commitments to God should be at the forefront of our worship and obedience.
Proverbs 6:2
“If you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth, then do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands: Go–to the point of exhaustion–and give your neighbor no rest!”
This verse urges us to be cautious with our words and take responsibility for the vows we make. If we find ourselves trapped or ensnared by our commitments, we are to act diligently to free ourselves. It emphasizes the importance of rectifying our mistakes and resolving our obligations to others.
Psalm 66:13-14
“I will come to your temple with burnt offerings and fulfill my vows to you–vows my lips promised and my mouth spoke when I was in trouble.”
This verse expresses a heart of gratitude and worship, promising to fulfill vows made to God. It acknowledges that the psalmist’s vows were born out of a time of trouble and that the Lord had delivered him. It serves as a reminder that during times of distress, we may make promises to God, and it is important to honor them in times of peace and stability.
Psalm 22:25
“From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you, I will fulfill my vows.”
Here, the psalmist declares his intention to fulfill vows made to God in the presence of fellow believers. It reflects a desire to honor God’s faithfulness and to be a testimony to others. This verse emphasizes that fulfilling our vows is not only a personal commitment but also an act that inspires and encourages others in their faith.
Psalm 66:19-20
“But God has surely listened and has heard my prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!”
In these verses, the psalmist celebrates God’s faithfulness in answering prayers and vows. It highlights the connection between prayer and making vows, as the psalmist acknowledges God’s attentiveness and love. It reminds us that when we bring our vows before the Lord in prayer, He hears us and responds with His steadfast love.
Psalm 132:2-3
“He swore an oath to the LORD, he made a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob: ‘I will not enter my house or go to my bed–“
These verses refer to King David’s vow to the Lord, demonstrating his dedication and commitment. It illustrates the seriousness of vows made to God and the willingness to go to great lengths to fulfill them. David’s vow reflects his desire to prioritize worship and seek the Lord’s presence above personal comforts.
Psalm 116:14-15
“I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people. Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants.”
This verse reveals the psalmist’s determination to fulfill his vows to the Lord publicly. It highlights the preciousness of a loyal servant’s life and the commitment to honor God’s faithfulness through the fulfillment of vows. It reminds us that our vows should not be mere words but tangible actions that demonstrate our devotion.
Genesis 28:20-22
“Then Jacob made a vow, saying, ‘If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the LORD will be my God and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.'”
In this passage, Jacob makes a vow to God, acknowledging God’s provision and protection. It demonstrates a commitment to worship and honor God in response to His faithfulness. Jacob’s vow reflects a personal encounter with God and a recognition of His sovereignty and blessing in his life.
Leviticus 27:1-2
“The LORD said to Moses, ‘Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘If anyone makes a special vow to dedicate a person to the LORD by giving the equivalent value, set the value of a male between the ages of twenty and sixty at fifty shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel.
These verses outline the guidelines for vows made regarding the dedication of individuals to the Lord. It establishes the value assigned to such vows and provides clarity on the monetary aspect. These regulations demonstrate the importance of upholding vows and the seriousness of dedicating individuals to the Lord.
Ruth 1:16-17
“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely if even death separates you and me.'”
These verses record Ruth’s vow to her mother-in-law Naomi. It demonstrates her loyalty, commitment, and devotion. Ruth’s vow reflects a deep sense of unity and faith, intertwining her life with Naomi’s. It serves as a remarkable example of a vow made out of love and selflessness.
Acts 18:18
“Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sisters and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken.”
These verses mention the apostle Paul fulfilling a vow by having his hair cut off. It sheds light on the practice of making personal vows and the commitment to follow through with them. Paul’s example highlights the seriousness of personal vows and the importance of honoring them even amidst his missionary journeys.
1 Samuel 1:21-22
“When her husband Elkanah went up with all his family to offer the annual sacrifice to the LORD and to fulfill his vow, Hannah did not go. She said to her husband, ‘After the boy is weaned, I will take him and present him before the LORD, and he will live there always.’
In these verses, Hannah’s vow to dedicate her son Samuel to the Lord is mentioned. It reflects her deep desire to fulfill her promise and offer her child to serve God. Hannah’s vow demonstrates her sacrificial surrender and devotion to God’s plans.
Acts 21:23-24
“So do what we tell you. There are four men with us who have made a vow. Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law.”
In these verses, Paul is involved in a situation where others are making vows, and he agrees to join them in their purification rites. It illustrates the cultural context of vows and the customs associated with fulfilling them. Paul’s willingness to participate demonstrates his respect for others’ vows and his desire to maintain a good witness among both Jews and Gentiles.
Acts 18:18
“Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sisters and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken.”
These verses mention the apostle Paul fulfilling a vow by having his hair cut off. It sheds light on the practice of making personal vows and the commitment to follow through with them. Paul’s example highlights the seriousness of personal vows and the importance of honoring them even amidst his missionary journeys.