When you make a vow to God, don’t delay fulfilling it, because He does not delight in fools. Fulfill what you vow. Better that you do not vow than that you vow and not fulfill it. Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 HCSB
This year I will celebrate 37 years of marriage with my wonderful and beautiful wife. On September 18, 1976 we made a vow to each other. We stood before God, a minister, and witnesses and vowed to love one another, to be faithful to each other, and to honor our marriage until death. In today’s culture, far too often it seems that vows are not taken seriously. It is as if we make a vow until it is no longer convenient or comfortable, then we take the liberty to break it. Scripture teaches that it is important to keep our vows or our promises.
Solomon admonished the people to live up to their vows to God. If a person made a vow or promise to God, he needed to fulfill it. God honors people of integrity who practice what they preach. My father always taught me, “You are only as good as your word.” If one’s word does not mean anything, then who can trust him?
Challenge: If you make a promise, make sure you fulfill it. Be a person of integrity and always do what you say you will do.