Be Careful What You Promise

Background Scripture: Judges 11:1-4, 28-40
Lesson Scripture: Judges 11:30-35; Ecclesiastes 5:2-5

Introduction

Promises, pledges, and vows are all synonymous. Jephthah did not sign a document stating his vow to God, but his faith was that God did not forget. Neither did he forget nor seek means to escape payment of that which he vowed. Perhaps this is why he is listed in the book of Hebrews as a man of faith. A man of his word is highly respected. Vows made to God are considered sacred and should not be made lightly. Keeping our promises to our fellowman is a test of honesty and character.

Key Verse

Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile (Ps. 34:13).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

Prior to our lesson, the children of Israel served the idols of the people of Canaan. This was very displeasing to God, and He sold them into the hands of their enemies. This caused them much distress, and they repented before the Lord and offered themselves to the mercy of God. About that time the children of Ammon rose up to fight against the Israelites, who were without a leader.

The threat of war brought fear, and the children of Gilead, a father in Israel, sought for a leader. Though Jephthah was also a son of Gilead, he had been cast out by his brothers because of his dishonorable birth. Nevertheless, they found Jephthah in the land of Tob and asked him to be their leader. He asked them, “If . . . the Lord deliver them before me, shall I be your head?” (Judg. 11:9). They assured him of his wish, and he was made their captain.

Jephthah was a man with courage who realized that victory was in the hands of God. He attributed his former victories to the work of God and sought the help of God in this battle. In his petition, he thought it appropriate to make a vow of sacrifice to God. Perhaps his vow was made in haste without thinking of the consequences. When God gave him the victory, Jephthah felt bound to honor his vow to God even though it came at great cost. Commentators differ on how the vow was paid, but the vow was that whatever came through the door of his house would be the Lord’s. Some take from Judges 11:39-40 that his daughter did not lose her life but remained a virgin for life and was not permitted to marry. The book of Hebrews lists Jephthah as a man of faith. His intent was to find favor with God and not to please himself.

Practical Truths for Today

Though there may have been some self-serving motive in Jephthah, we must give him credit that he did not esteem his vow to God lightly even though it affected his household. His daughter also recognized the seriousness of paying vows made to God and submitted herself to the consequences of the vow of her father. We may question why Jephthah made a vow that was not required of him; Jephthah surely realized that his sacrifice would be of no benefit to God. Our reasoning may be that in his great desire for victory, he offered this as a sacrifice to God, hoping God would honor his request. Jephthah’s vow was made contingent on receiving that which he desired of God; if he did not receive his request, then his sacrifice would not need to be made.

We may be inclined to make selfish vows to God, expecting to receive some personal benefits. Should we not receive what we hoped for, we will be disappointed and could fall prey to offense. Job was without anything to offer as a sacrifice to God and yet proclaimed, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” (Job 13:15). We should be careful what we promise; however, when we make a vow, we must keep it, trusting that whatever we receive of God is for our best.

Sinners who come under a burden of sin often make promises to God, praying for relief of their burden. When these promises are made with a surrendered heart, they are pleasing to God, and He blesses them. However, if promises are made to God with the thought of doing something to obtain salvation, it will be of no use.

At the time of baptism, we promised to be true and faithful to God and his church as long as we live. These baptismal vows are taken before God and witnesses, and God will hold us accountable to keep them. If we break them, we are risking our salvation. Should we find we have not been as careful in keeping our promises as we ought, let us repent, confess our sin, and renew our vow in order to receive peace with God again. The Lord knows the weakness of our flesh and is ready to forgive if we come to Him with a broken and contrite heart.

Marriage vows are a solemn commitment of faithfulness of husband and wife to each other for life. This vow is made in expectation of the benefits of an exclusive marriage union, and the breaking of it is very displeasing to God. Modern society suffers untold grief and disappointment because of people’s carelessness in keeping their marriage vows. The judgments of God are very pronounced on such disregard—His blessings will not be on those who take such liberties.

We may be asked to serve on a committee or in different functions in the church. These committees often have terms, and it is expected that we take responsibility and do the best we can for our term of service. Those who accept the call to serve as a minister or deacon make a solemn vow to be faithful in teaching the Word in accordance with the interpretation of the church. This call is for life or until the church deems it beyond a person’s capacity to serve.

Some vows or promises are voluntary, and others are requested. Either way, all vows should be kept in respect to the authority of God. In day-to-day living, we make different kinds of promises; however, they all need our careful attention. Some promises are made with little thought, but not keeping them reflects negatively on our integrity. Sometimes promises are made to gain favor with our fellowman. They may be made as an easy way out of an uncomfortable situation but with little intention to follow through. Sometimes one person assumes in his mind that someone else has made him a promise only to find out there has been a misunderstanding. This is too often true when monetary gain is involved.

The lesson title advises us to be careful what you promise. We need to consider; can I pay what I have promised and when? Can I keep all the appointments I have made? Is there conflict in the times set? In the commerce of North America, the offer to buy now and pay later is a trap for people who unrealistically obligate themselves and are soon fiscally overextended. Credit card convenience can lead a person into deep financial trouble. When we sign, we promise to pay. Am I sure that I will be able to pay?

Questions

1. Should a promise that is intentionally not kept be considered a lie?
2. Does acknowledging that I cannot keep a promise set me free?
3. Is there a difference between a promise, a pledge, and a vow?
4. How serious is it to think that God has not been fair in some of His dealings with mankind?
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).