Proverbs 20:25

Modern

It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly, only later to reconsider his vows.

Traditional

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

Literal

It is a snare for a man to rashly declare “It is holy” and afterward to reconsider his vows.

Latin

Ruina est homini devorare sanctos, et post vota retractare.

Hebrew

English

It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly, only later to reconsider his vows.

It is important to consider the cost before making a promise to God (see Judges 11:29–40; Ecclesiastes 5:4–6).

Theme notes and profiles

Ecclesiastes 5:4–6
When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow.
Matthew 5:33
Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’
Leviticus 27:9–10
If he vows an animal that may be brought as an offering to the LORD, any such animal given to the LORD shall be holy.
Numbers 30:2–16
If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised.
Malachi 3:8–10
Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you ask, ‘How do we rob You?’ In tithes and offerings.
Leviticus 5:15
“If someone acts unfaithfully and sins unintentionally against any of the LORD’s holy things, he must bring his guilt offering to the LORD: an unblemished ram from the flock, of proper value in silver shekels according to the sanctuary shekel; it is a guilt offering.
Proverbs 18:7
A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
Leviticus 22:10–15
No one outside a priest’s family may eat the sacred offering, nor may the guest of a priest or his hired hand eat it.
Leviticus 27:30–31
Thus any tithe from the land, whether from the seed of the land or the fruit of the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD.