Welcome to Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations covering Proverbs 20:25 where we are instructed toward careful consideration when making promises.
It is a snare to say rashly, “It is holy,” and to reflect only after making vows.
When there are decisions to be made, when things pile up and beg for our attention, relief is found in getting things done, checking items off our list. This reality works well for kids who have a detention they need signed by their parent. At the opportune time, in the morning when mom is trying to do five things at once, he asks with a chipper disposition as the bus rolls up, “Mom, can you sign this thing for school quick?” Victory…even without outright fibbing! Mom has blessed the paper only later to think, “What was it that I put my name to this morning?” Or how about the old telemarketer ploy? Ring, ring…”Hello? Hel–,” “Blah-dee blah blah-boo blah-da and now I just need to confirm some quick information about your account so that we can get you started.” There is absolutely nothing holy about that offer, but they sure would like you to think so.
But although these examples seem rather trivial in nature, there are times when we make promises that put us in terrible situations. Consider Jephthah in Judges 11, one of the deliverers of Israel, who in praying for victory over his enemies, vowed that he would offer as a burnt offering whatever first came from his house after his return from battle. Then later, low and behold, out comes his daughter, dancing in celebration over the victory. Jephthah no doubt thought he was making a wonderful commitment to the Lord, to praise and honor Him, but his vow was shown to be one of foolishness.
What sometimes happens when we let our tongue run ahead of us is that we find ourselves caught in a snare. We tend to think that we can handle a situation to the extent that nothing bad can happen, but we must recognize that we are not sovereign over the events of this world. Such planning even with good intentions puts people in massive debt, compromising situations, and great bondage to things (or people) they thought they could control. We all know those people who are great at making commitments without ever following through; we know times when we’ve done the same. The call here is to be people of careful reflection so that we would not rush into things that perhaps look promising but end up being matters of significant weight. …The Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 2:6). We must go to the supreme Consultant. All who know Jesus as personal Lord have been given a pre-paid calling card with unlimited minutes, good 24/7/365; let’s pick up the phone before our mouths need our feet.
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2 Responses to “Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations–Proverbs 20:25”
Excellent point and great teaching, Seth. I am afraid too often we use our words that easily can become waste. I believe we shall always strive to be more Christ-like by making it a point to speak more in truth rather than just a flippant flick of the tongue. Scripture talks about how our mouths are like a rudder of a ship, that we always must make sure to speak in direction that Jesus would like for us to speak. Excellent point and I think all of us should take to heart what you’ve discussed here
Thanks Curtis! This is something that I've really been trying to be more submitted to the Spirit in…seems it will be process until heaven; come Lord Jesus! Thanks for the encouragement, brother.