Vowing and Not Paying - Ecclesiastes 5:5

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “When you vow a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he has no pleasure in fools: pay that which you have vowed”, and in chapter five and verse five of his book Solomon shared about, “vowing and not paying”, where we read,

Better is it that you should not vow,

 than that you should vow and not pay.

The verse reads, “Better is it that you should not vow, …” Solomon began with the words, “better is it” or “more pleasant, agreeable and excellent does the following exist” “that you should not vow” which means “that you, Solomon’s reader, do not make an oath or promise”. Solomon shared how not committing to an oath or making a vow exists as more excellent compared to the following.

The verse goes on to say, “… than that you should vow and not pay.” Solomon continued with the words, “than that you should vow” or “compared to committing to an oath or promise” “and not pay” which means “and in no way or manner complete, finish or make compensation”. Solomon said not making a promise is more excellent compared to committing to a promise and not keeping it. 

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon the importance of our oaths and promises. We would be better off if we never made a “vow” than to make it and not keep our word. God wants us to speak the truth and be committed to our promises even as He is faithful. God sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when He raised Him from the dead, He promised that whosoever puts their faith and trust in Him will be forgiven of their sins, granted everlasting life and given the help of His Holy Spirit to keep every promise we make and to limit ourselves in making them. (See John 3:16; 16:13)

Next time Solomon says, “suffer not your mouth to cause your flesh to sin”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".