Proverbs 20:25 - Printer Friendly

ESV: It is a snare to say rashly, "It is holy," and to reflect only after making vows.

NIV: It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows.

NASB: It is a trap for a person to say carelessly, 'It is holy!' And after the vows to make inquiry.

CSB: It is a trap for anyone to dedicate something rashly and later to reconsider his vows.

NLT: Don’t trap yourself by making a rash promise to God and only later counting the cost.

KJV: It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.

NKJV: It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy, And afterward to reconsider his vows.

Making any promise without thinking it through is foolish, but hasty vows to God are especially unwise (Deuteronomy 23:21). This proverb compares this error to stepping into a trap, such as those used to catch animals (Proverbs 7:21–23). Solomon gives similar advice in the book of Ecclesiastes (Ecclesiastes 5:4–5).

Jephthah, a judge of Israel, "trapped" himself in an unwise vow (Judges 11:30–31). He failed to think through what he was promising and it cost him his only child (Judges 11:34–35). In the other extreme, a person might feel helpless in a difficult situation and pray something like, "God, if you will get me out of this situation, I will serve you for the rest of my life." However, when the danger is gone, they forget the promise.

Peter arrogantly promised to remain by Jesus' side even if all the other disciples were disloyal (John 13:36–38). He learned the hard way that he would not keep his promise. After Jesus was arrested, Peter succumbed to fear and denied knowing Jesus three times (Mark 14:26–31; Luke 22:54–61; John 18:15–18, 25–27).

Those who follow God should be known for integrity and honesty (Matthew 5:37). Making unwise promises is wrong. And yet, so is adding additional vows or oaths onto what we say. Instead of saying "I swear by…" or "I promise on…" the Christian should always keep their word, without any need for further guarantees (James 5:12).

Proverbs 20:12–30 touches on a variety of subjects as Solomon (Proverbs 10:1) wisely observes what is right and what is wrong. He censures deceit and dishonest gain but commends honesty, love, and loyalty. This section also includes common sense reminders about topics like business and hastiness.

In this section of Solomon's wise sayings (Proverbs 10:1), he again discusses a wide range of subjects. These echo many of the common themes of the book of Proverbs. Solomon warns against foolishness (Proverbs 1:7), hastiness, angering authorities, and the consequences of sin and dishonesty. Several references condemn dishonest business dealings. Others note the value of diligence in making decisions.

This chapter of Proverbs belongs to the second division of the book that extends from Proverbs chapter 10 to chapter 22, in which there are nearly 400 wise sayings. Proverbs 20 continues the collection of Solomon's wise sayings. In this chapter Solomon focuses on numerous things which harm the unwise. Among them are laziness, wrong values, and bad decisions.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.