The Bible has quite a bit to say about keeping vows and oaths. God takes our promises very seriously, and He expects us to honor our word. Here is an overview of some key biblical principles about vows and oaths:
1. We should be careful and sober when making vows
The Bible warns us to not be rash in making vows and oaths to God. We should carefully consider any commitment before making it, because God holds us accountable to keep our word. Several verses address this:
“When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; for He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed–Better not to vow than to vow and not pay.” (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5)
“But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No,’ lest you fall into judgment.” (James 5:12)
These verses indicate we should not casually throw around vows or oaths. We need to think through the commitment and be able to follow through before making the vow.
2. We must fulfill whatever we have vowed to God
Once we make a vow or oath, especially to God, we are obligated to keep our word. God expects us to fully honor our commitments. The Bible is clear that vows should be paid and kept.
“When you make a vow to the LORD your God, you shall not delay to pay it; for the LORD your God will surely require it of you, and it would be sin to you. But if you abstain from vowing, it shall not be sin to you. That which has gone from your lips you shall keep and perform, for you voluntarily vowed to the LORD your God what you have promised with your mouth.” (Deuteronomy 23:21-23)
“When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; For He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed– Better not to vow than to vow and not pay.” (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5)
“Pay your vows to the Most High.” (Psalm 50:14)
These and other verses state in no uncertain terms that we must follow through on vows and oaths made to God. He expects us to honor our promises completely. Failing to do so is counted as sin.
3. Exceptions were made for foolish or unmarried vows
The Law of Moses made provision for vows made rashly or by an unmarried daughter still under her father’s authority. In these cases, the vow could be nullified by the father or husband after hearing about it (see Numbers 30). This demonstrates there were some exceptions if the vow was clearly unrealistic.
However, the emphasis was still on caution when making vows and doing your utmost to fulfill them whenever possible. The exceptions were for particularly foolish or impossible commitments, as determined by the spiritual leaders and family authorities.
4. Jesus stressed we should be simple and honest in our speaking
Jesus continued the theme of being careful what we vow and promise: “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ But I say to you, do not swear at all … But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:33-34; 37)
He taught we should not need oaths at all – our simple yes or no should be enough. The reason to avoid vows would thus be to avoid potential hypocrisy or failure to follow through down the road. Our word itself should be dependable.
5. We should redeem unwise vows if possible
There are examples in Scripture where people made rash vows but later sought to redeem them. Samson made an unwise vow but ultimately fulfilled it (Judges 13-16). Herod made a foolish oath to Herodias’ daughter but kept his word, to his demise (Matthew 14:6-11).
These illustrate that to the highest extent possible, we should seek to follow through even on vows made foolishly. However, the emphasis remains on caution when making vows to begin with.
6. God Himself vowed and kept His promises to mankind
One of the most profound examples of vow keeping in the Bible is how God Himself made and kept promises to His people. When God makes a vow, He follows through perfectly. For example:
“Not one word has failed of all the good things that the LORD your God promised concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed.” (Joshua 23:14)
“For all the promises of God find their Yes in [Jesus Christ].” (2 Corinthians 1:20)
Knowing that even God Himself vows and follows through perfectly gives even more weight to the importance of vow keeping for us as followers of God.
7. Overall, vows should be avoided but kept if made
In summary, the general guidance of Scripture seems to be that regular vow making should be avoided and undertaken with great caution. Jesus and James warn extensively against oaths and vows.
However, once we make a vow, especially to God, we are obligated to fulfill it completely. God desires truthfulness and integrity in our speech, including follow-through on any commitments made.
The model is God Himself, who perfectly keeps all His promises to mankind. Following God’s example, we should speak carefully, make commitments even more carefully, but then absolutely follow through on whatever we have promised.
The Bible upholds vows and oaths as solemn, weighty matters. We must avoid rash vows, redeem foolish ones whenever possible, and fulfill the rest completely in order to demonstrate godly integrity in our speech.
8. Vows and oaths in modern culture
Although less common today than in ancient times, vows and oaths remain relevant in modern culture. Here are some examples where biblical principles about vow keeping still apply:
- Marriage vows – Promises made by spouses should be kept.
- Court oaths – “To tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God.”
- Public office oaths – The president takes an oath to “faithfully execute the Office.”
- Legal contracts – Read carefully before signing, but fulfill the terms after.
- Personal integrity – Keep even informal promises: “I’ll be there at 8.”
While oaths are less formalized today, at root they represent the giving of one’s word. Scripture teaches we must take that seriously. Saying what we mean, meaning what we say, and doing what we say builds trustworthiness and honors God.
Obviously modern culture causes more overlap between categories like business deals vs. personal oaths. Principles may apply differently. But in general, Christians seeking to represent Christ should be known for integrity in speech.
9. How to make decisions about vows today
When facing choices today about whether to make or keep commitments, here are some biblical principles to consider:
- Be cautious – don’t vow easily or lightly.
- Count the cost – can you fully keep the commitment?
- Consider complexity – is this business or personal? Sincerely meant?
- Seek counsel – get advice on whether this vow is wise.
- Know the priorities – does this align with God’s values?
- Pray for wisdom – ask God for discernment and strength.
- Aim for integrity – speak carefully and follow through.
With the help of God’s Spirit, we can strive to emulate His standard of vows kept and truthfulness in speech. This honors Him and witnesses to an unbelieving world.
10. Trusting Christ’s redemption when we fall short
Because we are imperfect beings, we will at times fail to keep our word fully. When we realize we have broken vows and fallen short, the right response is humility, honesty, and asking forgiveness both from God and those affected.
Thankfully, as believers in Jesus we know that His death on the cross paid the penalty even for our failures in vow keeping. We can receive God’s forgiveness and redeem broken commitments to the extent possible while moving forward in integrity.
By depending on Christ’s redemptive grace, we can have both humility regarding our shortfalls and confidence that God can still use us. Our failures in vow keeping cannot separate us from God’s love.
With Christ, we can learn from our mistakes, make amends, seek to honor all our words from here on, and rest in God’s mercy and forgiveness when we stumble. His strength can empower integrity even in weak vessels like ourselves.
11. Conclusion – Vows reveal spiritual maturity
A person’s adherence to vows and oaths provides a strong measure of their spiritual maturity and genuineness of character. Those who speak lightly, promise casually, and break commitments readily demonstrate immaturity, shallowness, and lack of godly fear.
But those who weigh their words, honor their obligations, and pay what they have vowed – even at great cost – reveal depth of character, understanding of divine priorities, and faithfulness to God’s standards.
Scripture teaches that God takes words and vows very seriously. As His followers, so must we. Let us speak carefully, promise solemnly, and by His power, pay what we have vowed to honor Him with honest lips and integrity that reflects our Savior.
