God gives His people the basic rule of making a vow to God or a pledge to others. One who makes a vow or pledge must keep it. But there are exceptions. A woman in Moses' time lived under her father's authority before marriage and under her husband's authority after marriage. So, her father or husband who disagreed with her vow could nullify it, and she was released from it.

God keeps his promise faithfully, and so His people trust in Him and His words. God's people are to keep their words to honor God. The basic principle for His people is that a vow or pledge must be taken seriously. God does not pressure us to make a vow or a promise. Ecclesiastes 5:5 states, "It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it." Jesus also tells us not to make vows, but to say simply "Yes" or "No" and to be truthful (Mt 5:33-37). Jesus wants us to be marked by the truth that we do not need a vow to back up our words. Our words should be consistent with our actions. Our words must stand, and thus we reflect our God. Since we make a vow voluntarily, we must keep it. Our personal promises to God, marriage vows or legal contracts must be kept faithfully to honor God.


Application: Lord, often I break my promise to you and others and dishonor you. Please help me to keep my word. Raise promise-keeping people.
One Word: Be a promise-keeper.