Introductory Thoughts
Scripturally speaking, a vow involves a solemn promise made to another individual or to God Himself. In our passage, vow is used both as a verb and a noun. Vowing a vow is analogous to someone promising a promise. Men are to keep their word by keeping their promises; or, in other words, men are to be faithfully dependable. When a man makes a promise to God or to another person, he should do everything within his power to keep that promise. The Bible warns against a man allowing his mouth to cause his flesh to sin by making promises with no intention of keeping them. Those who vow a vow to the Lord and fail to perform it are called “fools” and the Lord “hath no pleasure in fools.” Before making any promise, one should first count the cost to determine whether or not making the vow will simply cause him to sin.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): You promise to set the table and promise to clean your room. Which is more important? In God's eyes, both are important because God expects you to do what you say you will do.
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(For everyone): Are you always quick to say yes? Do you find yourself over obligated by promises you make? The Bible speaks strongly about keeping your word, or being dependable. What actions could you take to help you become more dependable?
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Do you make promises to others and fail to keep them? Would others classify you as a dependable person? What steps can you incorporate into your life that will show others that they can always count on you?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to give you wisdom to only promise those things that you can keep.
- Ask the Lord to show you necessary steps to become more dependable for those who need to depend upon you.
Song
O JESUS, I HAVE PROMISED
