The Reverence of Silence·Thursday · October 29
Stop Making Foolish Promises
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Ecclesiastes 5:4–5 · Matthew 5:34–37
When you vow a vow to God, don't defer to pay it; for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay that which you vow. It is better that you should not vow, than that you should vow and not pay. But I tell you, don't swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God; nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Neither shall you swear by your head, for you can't make one hair white or black. But let your "Yes" be "Yes" and your "No" be "No." Whatever is more than these is of the evil one.
Reflection
When people face trouble, they often try to make deals with God. They say: "God, if You get me out of this problem, I promise I will never sin again, and I will give You all my money." The Preacher warns us: do not make rash vows that you cannot keep. God does not need our bargains. Making big promises that we break only shows that we are fools who do not take God seriously. You cannot buy God's help with your promises. Stop trying to negotiate with the Lord. He wants your honest trust, not your empty deals.
Watch
Theology
The Hope
You do not need to buy God's favor; He already loves and helps His children by His free grace.
Daily life
The Heart
We often try to bargain with God when we are scared, hoping our promises will force Him to help us.
Prayer
Lord, forgive me for the empty promises and rash words I have spoken. Help me stop bargaining with You and simply trust Your mercy. Amen.
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