VOWS CAN BE DEADLY
Do not make hasty commitments, even to yourself. A foolish vow made during excitement or disgust (Jephthah), and then foolishly kept, can destroy relationships forever. To say, “I will never... (whatever)” in reaction to a perceived wrong, IS WRONG, for several reasons. The so-called wrong can be corrected, forgiven, forsaken, but a kept vow separates for a lifetime. God forbids the making and keeping of wicked vows.
VOWS OR COMMITMENTS TO GOD...
God does not forbid vows or commitments made to Him to do the right thing in life, such as marriage vows made by brides and grooms or commitments made to God, to do His will.
OATH TAKING IS FORBIDDEN...
MATTHEW 5:33-37
33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these comes of evil.
JAMES 5:12
12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
DLG note... Christians are forbidden to take oaths, because their word should be their bond. Oath taking implies, actually indicates that the simple word of a believer is not trustworthy, but only an oath, or a sworn statement can be counted as honest and true.
Swearing not only introduces a double standard of honesty, it invokes powers that are beyond the authority of human beings to invoke.
