Proverbs 20 Devotions by Stephen Taylor

Proverbs 20:25

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

Have you ever found yourself in a bind, a tough or tight situation, with seemingly no way out? If so, then did you utter words like these: “Lord if you help me, then I will…”? If we are honest, most, if not all of us, at one time or another, have done this. In haste and desperation, we have declared an oath to God, but did we follow through with it? I can’t pinpoint an exact date or time I have done this, but I’m sure with my former lifestyle, this happened more often than I would like to admit.

I thought I was rescuing myself through my vow, but truly, I was setting a trap for my feet. For when we dedicate/vow/promise something to God and don’t carry it out, it is sin. I have hastily promised things before with no regard of how I would get them done. Whether this came from fear, manipulation, desperation, or selfishness, I can’t say, but what I can say is that I was wrong.

Too often, we try to control God through our promises, expecting that by prompting Him, He will move at our discretion and direction. But my friends, this just shouldn’t be; each of has to be more careful and cautious with what we say. Jesus said to let your yes be yes and your no be no, anything more than that comes from the evil one. One of the things He is teaching us is the importance of honesty and integrity and how paramount it is that we walk in both!

So today, as we talk to God, let us not promise Him the sun and the moon (they are already His, anyway) but let us humbly and reverently offer Him our hearts and the life that flows from them!

Lord, please forgive me for all the rash and empty promises I have made over the years, and cleanse from the stain of that sin!

1 John 1:9- If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all sin.

Ecclesiastes 5:5- It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.

God bless! I love you all, but His love always fulfills what He promises! Glory, honor, and praise now and forever to Papa God, Jesus Christ our King, and the Holy Spirit!