This Scripture is weighty—it confronts us and warns us of the traps we often fall into. Many people rush to make vows to God in moments of excitement, stirred by what they’ve seen or heard, without truly considering whether they will be able to fulfill them. Failing to fulfill such promises becomes sin.

As you read further, you’ll see that God gave both a father and a husband the authority to cancel vows made by a daughter or wife, respectively, before they are fulfilled. This shows how seriously God views vows—they are treated as binding covenants. It’s no surprise, then, that many families and marriages face challenges rooted in broken promises.

For example, a man might promise to marry a woman, or she may agree to marry him, and they even pray over it, presenting it before God. Later, one of them ends up marrying someone else. That broken vow becomes a spiritual obstacle and can negatively affect their new relationship.

This entire passage highlights how God pays close attention to every vow we make—right up until it is fulfilled. Every time you make a vow, remember that there are three witnesses involved—and you are one of them.

The first witness is God—He is present and willing to help you fulfill your vow, so it doesn’t become sin to you.

The second witness is Satan—He is eager to oppose you and use your broken promise to separate you from God and from the person to whom you made the vow.

The third witness is your own heart—It will constantly remind you of what you said and what you promised.

Do not ignore the promises you have failed to fulfill. Instead, seek God’s mercy and ask for forgiveness, so that your unfaithfulness does not become a reason for divine resistance in your life.

Above all, ask the Holy Spirit to guard your mouth, so you won’t make vows you cannot keep. Resolve things in your heart first, and only speak a promise when you are sure you can follow through. May Jesus give you the strength to do so.

Shalom, Pastor Christian Gisanura