“VOWS AND PEACE OF MIND”

“When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow.”

Ecclesiastes 5:4

How good are you at keeping promises? On a scale of 1-10, how would you measure your level of fulfilling your vows?

One busy day, I was swamped with work and my older daughter came up to me and asked, “Dad, when you’re not busy later, can we play?” I wasn’t really paying attention but i blurted, “Yes.”

When she finally saw me taking some rest, she drew close to me and practically returned my word to me, saying, “Dad, you said that when you’re not busy, you were going to play with me.” I snapped and said, “Really?” “Yes you did!”, said my little girl. Therefore, I had no choice but to play with her. Little did I know we were going to play with dolls and make-up kits that day!

Ecclesiastes is considered one of the wisest books in the Bible. It is commonly believed that King Solomon was the writer of this book, which was probably written during his later life (about 931 B.C.). Its original purpose was to warn the young people, presumably the Israelites, but its message is timeless and it still resonates with us. The book warns us to avoid walking through life on the path of human wisdom, which often leads to destruction. Instead, it encourages us to live by the revealed wisdom of God.

What is a vow?

It can be defined as a solemn promise or pledge that binds a person to perform in a certain manner. It appears 30 times in the Bible, with emphasis on the vow being final and binding. When a person gives a vow, it becomes a binding contract. It simply means that when we give our word to do something, we are obligated to do it.

Today’s verse serves as a reminder and a warning to us concerning making pledges to God, and by extension, others. Promises made to God have serious implications. This verse mirrors what Moses wrote:

“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.” 

Deuteronomy 23:21

Consider the word “pay”, which comes from the Hebrew word “shalam”, which means “to make amends” or “to be at peace.” When we make a promise to God, it becomes a debt that we need to pay or an obligation that we need to fulfill. Failure to do so would mean violating a solemn oath to a holy God who demands nothing short of holiness. Practically speaking, unless we fulfill our vow, we won’t be at peace with God (within the context of fulfilling vows) and our conscience serves as a witness to our shortcomings.

Moreover, the text informs us that God isn’t happy dealing with fools (Hebrew “kesiyl), which means “stupid” or “silly.” It is unbecoming of a Christian to make a promise to God and change his mind later. Vows are binding, even when we speak of them foolishly or privately in our daily conversations. The God who made the ears also hears.

Have you made a vow to God but failed to fulfill it exactly as you said it? If so, you have offended the Almighty God who hears your every word and knows your every thought. I encourage you to come to Him in repentance, ask for forgiveness, and carry out your promise. For what it’s worth, your peace of mind is at stake here.

Pursue the Saviour today!