What does the Bible say about making and keeping vows?

Making and keeping vows is a significant theme throughout the Bible, and it carries profound ethical and moral implications for believers. Vows, or solemn promises made to God or others, are treated with the utmost seriousness in Scripture. From a non-denominational Christian perspective, understanding the biblical stance on vows involves exploring various passages and principles that reveal God's expectations regarding our words and commitments.

The concept of vows is introduced early in the Bible and is woven throughout the Old and New Testaments. One of the earliest mentions of vows is found in Genesis 28:20-22, where Jacob makes a vow to God: "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.'"

This passage highlights a key aspect of vows: they are often conditional promises made in response to divine assistance or intervention. Jacob's vow was a commitment to worship and honor God in return for His protection and provision. This illustrates the reciprocal nature of many biblical vows, where human promises are made in response to God's faithfulness.

The seriousness with which vows are to be taken is further emphasized in the Mosaic Law. Numbers 30:2 states, "When 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 directive underscores the importance of integrity and faithfulness in keeping one's promises. Breaking a vow is not merely a failure of human commitment but is seen as a direct offense against God, who is the ultimate witness to all promises.

The book of Deuteronomy also addresses the issue of vows, particularly in Deuteronomy 23:21-23: "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. But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty. Whatever your lips utter you must be sure to do, because you made your vow freely to the Lord your God with your own mouth." This passage highlights the voluntary nature of vows and the gravity of fulfilling them once made. It suggests that it is better not to make a vow at all than to make one and fail to keep it.

The wisdom literature of the Old Testament also provides insights into the nature of vows. Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 advises, "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." This reinforces the principle that vows should not be made lightly and that failing to fulfill a vow is considered foolish and displeasing to God.

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of vows and oaths in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5:33-37, He says, "Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.' But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. All you need to say is simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one."

Jesus' teaching here shifts the focus from the formalities of vow-making to the integrity of one's word. He emphasizes that a simple affirmation or denial should be sufficient for a person of integrity. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that our words should be truthful and reliable without the need for additional oaths or vows to guarantee their sincerity.

The Apostle James reiterates this teaching in James 5:12: "Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple 'Yes' or 'No.' Otherwise, you will be condemned." This reinforces the idea that Christians should be people of their word, whose simple statements are trustworthy without the need for elaborate vows or oaths.

In addition to these direct teachings on vows, the Bible also provides examples of individuals who made and kept vows, as well as those who failed to do so. One notable example of a vow kept is Hannah, the mother of Samuel. In 1 Samuel 1:11, Hannah makes a vow to God, saying, "Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head." When God answered her prayer and gave her a son, Hannah faithfully fulfilled her vow by dedicating Samuel to the Lord's service (1 Samuel 1:24-28).

Conversely, the story of Jephthah in Judges 11 serves as a cautionary tale about rash vows. Jephthah vowed to sacrifice whatever came out of his house to greet him if he was victorious in battle. Tragically, his daughter was the first to come out, and Jephthah felt compelled to fulfill his vow, resulting in a heartbreaking outcome (Judges 11:30-40). This story underscores the importance of careful consideration before making a vow and the potential consequences of rash promises.

From these biblical teachings and examples, several key principles emerge regarding making and keeping vows:

1. Vows are voluntary but serious commitments: The Bible makes it clear that while vows are not mandatory, once made, they must be fulfilled. This reflects the importance of integrity and faithfulness in our relationship with God and others.

2. Consider the consequences: Before making a vow, it is crucial to consider the potential consequences and whether it is possible to fulfill the promise. Rash vows can lead to unintended and tragic outcomes.

3. Integrity of speech: Jesus and James both emphasize that Christians should be people of their word, whose simple "Yes" or "No" is sufficient. This principle encourages believers to live with such integrity that additional vows or oaths are unnecessary.

4. God as the ultimate witness: When making a vow, it is important to remember that God is the ultimate witness to our promises. Fulfilling our vows is not just a matter of personal integrity but also of honoring God.

In addition to these principles, it is worth noting that the concept of vows extends beyond formal promises to God. It encompasses all aspects of our speech and commitments to others. In a broader sense, the biblical emphasis on truthfulness and integrity in our words applies to everyday interactions and relationships.

In conclusion, the Bible presents a comprehensive and nuanced view of making and keeping vows. It underscores the voluntary nature of vows while emphasizing the gravity of fulfilling them once made. The teachings of Jesus and the Apostles further refine this understanding by highlighting the importance of integrity and truthfulness in all our speech. As believers, we are called to be people of our word, reflecting the faithfulness and trustworthiness of God in our commitments to Him and to others.