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What does the Bible say about keeping vows?

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The Bible teaches that vows made to God are serious promises that should be made reverently, fulfilled faithfully, and never spoken rashly. Numbers 30:2 and Deuteronomy 23:21-23 command God’s people to do what they have vowed, while Ecclesiastes 5:4-6 warns that it is better not to vow than to vow and fail to pay. Jesus and James call believers to such truthful speech that a simple yes or no is dependable (Matthew 5:33-37; James 5:12). Therefore, Christians should avoid manipulative or careless oaths, give thanks to God, and keep lawful promises in humble reliance on his grace.

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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Numbers 30:2

    When a man vows a vow to Yahweh, or swears an oath to bind his soul with a bond, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.

  • Deuteronomy 23:21-23

    [21] When you shall vow a vow to Yahweh your God, you shall not be slack to pay it: for Yahweh your God will surely require it of you; and it would be sin in you. [22] But if you shall forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in you. [23] That which is gone out of your lips you shall observe and do; according as you have vowed to Yahweh your God, a freewill-offering, which you have promised with your mouth.

  • Matthew 5:33-37

    [33] "Again you have heard that it was said to them of old time, 'You shall not make false vows, but shall perform to the Lord your vows,' [34] but I tell you, don't swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God; [35] nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. [36] Neither shall you swear by your head, for you can't make one hair white or black. [37] But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No' be 'no.' Whatever is more than these is of the evil one.

  • Psalms 76:11

    Make vows to Yahweh your God, and fulfill them! Let all of his neighbors bring presents to him who is to be feared.

  • Ecclesiastes 5:4-6

    [4] When you vow a vow to God, don't defer to pay it; for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay that which you vow. [5] It is better that you should not vow, than that you should vow and not pay. [6] Don't allow your mouth to lead you into sin. Don't protest before the messenger that this was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice, and destroy the work of your hands?

  • Proverbs 20:25

    It is a snare to a man to make a rash dedication, Then later to consider his vows.

  • Psalms 50:14

    Offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving. Pay your vows to the Most High.

  • Acts 18:18

    Paul, having stayed after this many more days, took his leave of the brothers, and sailed from there for Syria, together with Priscilla and Aquila. He shaved his head in Cenchreae, for he had a vow.

  • Ecclesiastes 5:4-5

    [4] When you vow a vow to God, don't defer to pay it; for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay that which you vow. [5] It is better that you should not vow, than that you should vow and not pay.

  • James 5:12

    But above all things, my brothers, don't swear, neither by heaven, nor by the earth, nor by any other oath; but let your "yes" be "yes," and your "no," "no;" so that you don't fall into hypocrisy.

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