Do you vow rashly?


 Proverbs 20:25--Probably one of the most rash vows in the Bible is the vow of Jephthah (Judges 11).

 Jephthah was the child of an adulterous relationship with a prostitute. The sons of the father's wife eventually banished Jephthah, whereupon he became the leader of a gang.

 After a time, another country declared war against Israel. The leaders of Israel approached Jephthah to fight for them and in return they vowed to make Jephthah their leader and judge.

 What a wonderful turn of events for the man. Rejected and now greatly respected.

 Jephthah was a bit prideful in his acceptance, but committed to the cause (Judges 11:9).

 However, in the heat of excitement, Jephthah made a vow that truly revealed his foolish ignorance. His vow: 
"Then Jephthah vowed a vow to ADONAI and said, 'If You will indeed give the children of Ammon into my hand, then it will be that whatever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me when I return safely from the children of Ammon, it will be ADONAI’s, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering.'"

 When he returns from the great victory who meets him but his only child, a young daughter. 

 It's worth noting that the vow Jephthah made would have ended tragically no matter WHO came through the front door of his home. Someone would have died needlessly.

 Jephthah may have known Israel's history well. He may have been appointed by the leaders of Israel. GOD's spirit may even have assisted him in victory, but there was one critical issue Jephthah was missing.

 Jephthah made a vow to GOD that GOD abhorred.

 The man was prideful. He didn't seek wise counsel. He didn't know the character of GOD. He made a vow to someone he didn't even know.

 What can we learn from this tragic example of a rash vow? 
  • Our vows have consequences. 
  • Before we ever make a vow, we need to know GOD's heart concerning the matter. 
  • A vow should come from a humble place in our heart with a commitment that is unbreakable.


 Other than my marriage vows, I've made one other vow that in hindsight, I wish I hadn't. But, it's a vow nonetheless. Time will tell if that vow will be fruitful to GOD's kingdom, but that was my intent.

 So, in the future I plan to follow these lessons before making any other vows. How about you?

 May we take and make vows with caution, my friends.

 Proverbs 20:25--It is a trap for one to say rashly, “It is holy!” and only afterward to consider his vows. Tree of Life Bible Society​  Tree of Life Version - TLV​  #tlvbible  #tlvproverbs

 [WATCH MONDAY through FRIDAY Tree of Life Bible Society's CEO, Daniah Greenberg​ and me, Terri Gillespie​ dig a little deeper with the book of Proverbs. Check us out at @Tree of Life Bible Society", Monday through Friday, LIVE at 8:30am EST. Watch previous episodes there as well. Stay wise, my friends!]

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