Ecclesiastes 5:4-7

Making Vows to God 

He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow.

5 It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.

6 Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, "My vow was a mistake."

Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands?

7 Much dreaming and many words are meaningless.

Therefore stand in awe of God.

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This is the Word of the Lord ... It is meant to change the way we think, and the way we live.

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Commentary by Bob Pardue

What did You Promise God Today?

In the Jewish community vows were taken very seriously. Why shouldn't promises be just as important today?

The dictionary describes a vow as ...

"An earnest promise to perform a specified act or behave in a certain manner, especially a solemn promise to live and act in accordance with the rules of a religious order: take the vows of a nun."

Keeping Promises

When the Israelites made vows, they were expected to keep them so Solomon warns about making empty promises to God. Better not to make a vow than to make one and not be able to keep it. It's even better to make a vow and follow through.

"Your Word is Your Bond"

I've heard this quote all my life but some people can make promises to someone with no intention of ever keeping it. This is where trust and love disappears so be careful about what you promise - and to whom. Don't make vows to God or to other people that you know you cannot keep.

Integrity

Become the person who keeps his or her word. First, you will become known as a reliable and trustworthy person and second, God will bless a kept promise if it is within His will.

Love in Christ

- Bob

Ecclesiastes 3:14 - Purpose Driven Life