Proverbs 20:25 kjv

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

Proverbs 20:25 nkjv

It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy, And afterward to reconsider his vows.

Proverbs 20:25 niv

It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one's vows.

Proverbs 20:25 esv

It is a snare to say rashly, "It is holy," and to reflect only after making vows.

Proverbs 20:25 nlt

Don't trap yourself by making a rash promise to God
and only later counting the cost.

Proverbs 20 verses

Proverbs 20 25 Meaning

Proverbs 20:25 warns against the grave danger of making hasty vows or commitments, especially concerning things dedicated to God, without careful thought and consideration beforehand. It explains that such impulsive dedication or pledging creates a spiritual and practical "snare," as a person then finds themselves bound by a sacred obligation that they regret or cannot fulfill, leading to transgression or guilt. The wisdom here emphasizes prudence and the serious nature of pledges made before the Most High.

Proverbs 20 25 Context

Proverbs chapter 20 presents a collection of diverse proverbial sayings that address various aspects of righteous living and wisdom. Themes include integrity in business, diligence, avoiding conflict, proper justice, and the dangers of drunkenness. Verse 25 fits within the broader instructional purpose of the book, which aims to impart practical wisdom for navigating life ethically and righteously. Specifically, it cautions against the misuse or careless handling of sacred commitments. In ancient Israelite culture, vows (נֶדֶר, neder) were solemn religious commitments made to God, often involving a pledge to offer a sacrifice, dedicate property, or abstain from certain things (Numbers 30; Leviticus 27). Such vows were legally and religiously binding, and failure to fulfill them brought serious guilt (Deuteronomy 23:21-23; Ecclesiastes 5:4-6). This proverb highlights the danger of acting impulsively in such sacred matters, which could have dire consequences.

Proverbs 20 25 Word analysis

• It is a snare (מוֹקֵשׁ, moqesh):

  • Word: Moqesh refers to a "snare," "trap," or "gin." It often signifies a dangerous situation or entrapment, specifically a spiritual or moral pitfall that leads to downfall, guilt, or ruin.
  • Significance: It vividly portrays the consequences of rash action as binding and difficult to escape, emphasizing the entrapment that comes from unwise choices. This trap isn't external but created by one's own impulsive decision.

• to a person (לְאָדָם, lĕ’adam):

  • Word: Adam signifies "man," "humanity," or "a person."
  • Significance: This warning is universal, applying to anyone who might fall prey to such an impulsive act, emphasizing personal responsibility for one's vows.

• to make a rash vow / to rashly devote (לִבְלַע־קֹדֶשׁ, livlaʿ-qōdesh):

  • Word: Livlaʿ (לִבְלַע) from the root בָּלַע (balaʿ) means "to swallow down," "devour," or "absorb." Here, in this context, it implies acting hastily, precipitously, or inconsiderately, like quickly swallowing something without chewing.
  • Word: Qodesh (קֹדֶשׁ) means "holiness," "a holy thing," "something consecrated or sacred." This term points to offerings, properties, or individuals dedicated to God.
  • Significance: This phrase points to the swift, thoughtless commitment of something sacred to God, treating a solemn matter with irreverence or impulsivity. It emphasizes the dedication of "holy things" directly related to God's sphere, hence the heightened stakes. This is not just any vow but one pertaining to sacred matters.

• and only later to consider his vows (וְאַחַר נְדָרִים לְבַקֵּר, wĕ’ahar nĕdarim lĕvaqqēr):

  • Word: Wĕ’ahar (וְאַחַר) means "and afterwards" or "only later."
  • Word: Nĕdarim (נְדָרִים) refers to "vows" or "pledges." This is the common term for sacred oaths or commitments to God.
  • Word: Lĕvaqqēr (לְבַקֵּר) from the root בָּקַר (baqar) means "to seek," "to inquire," "to consider," "to scrutinize," or "to inspect." In this context, it implies a belated examination, reconsideration, or perhaps even regret.
  • Significance: This highlights the crucial element of timing. The harm comes from acting first and only then thinking or inquiring. By the time one reflects, the commitment has been made, and one is caught in the self-made "snare." The verb baqar suggests a belated, searching examination, implying a desire to find a loophole or avoid the consequences of the commitment already made.

Words-group analysis

• "It is a snare to a person to make a rash vow": This initial clause immediately establishes the dangerous outcome (snare) resulting from a particular type of human action (rash vow). The 'rashness' relates to the impulsive handling of 'holy' things, showing a lack of due reverence and foresight towards sacred commitments. The word balaʿ implies swallowing without thought, highlighting recklessness in the face of what should be taken with extreme seriousness.
• "and only later to consider his vows": This part clarifies the precise folly: the reflection or reconsideration comes after the binding commitment is made. This "after-the-fact" thinking signifies regret, a desire to retract, or an attempt to find an escape clause. By this point, the person is trapped because sacred vows were irreversible and carried significant weight in Mosaic law. This phrase acts as both cause and consequence, illustrating the self-inflicted nature of the "snare."

Proverbs 20 25 Bonus section

The Hebrew word balaʿ (swallow) often indicates suddenness and totality, which beautifully illustrates the idea of rashly dedicating something without consideration. It’s akin to gobbling something down without tasting it, and only afterward realizing its bitter taste or being unable to digest it. This imagery underscores the irreversibility and internal regret that comes from the unthinking action. The wisdom literature consistently portrays integrity as crucial, and fulfilling vows falls under this umbrella of integrity (Ps 15:4). This proverb, while specifically about vows concerning holy things, can also be extrapolated to general life commitments and promises made, especially if one wants to live a life pleasing to God. The lesson extends to the Christian concept of being "slow to speak, slow to anger" (Jas 1:19) and letting our "yes be yes" and our "no be no" (Jas 5:12), showing that careful thought and truthfulness should characterize all our interactions, especially those with divine implications.

Proverbs 20 25 Commentary

Proverbs 20:25 serves as a profound warning against impulsiveness in sacred matters. It reveals the foolishness of those who, driven by emotion, sudden inspiration, or an external influence, make a solemn vow or dedicate something to God without truly weighing the implications. In ancient Israel, such vows, though voluntary, were treated with utmost seriousness and were legally binding under divine law. A failure to fulfill a vow incurred guilt and potential divine disfavor (Deut 23:21). The "snare" therefore represents the entrapment of a commitment made without proper foresight, which subsequently binds the person to an obligation they may regret or be unable to fulfill.

The "holy thing" in question points to objects, money, or services consecrated or promised to God or His service, whether to the Tabernacle, Temple, or priests. It also subtly connects to personal integrity and trustworthiness before God. True wisdom, according to this proverb, involves careful deliberation and counting the cost before making promises to the Lord (Lk 14:28-30), rather than making them hastily and then attempting to reconsider or find an excuse later. The Lord expects genuine intention and faithful follow-through on all commitments, especially those made to Him (Ecc 5:4-6). This proverb aligns with the broader biblical principle of thinking before speaking or acting, especially concerning our relationship and responsibilities towards God.

Examples for practical usage:

• Pledging a significant sum to a church project without checking your actual financial ability.
• Volunteering for a demanding ministry role out of immediate zeal, without considering your time constraints or spiritual capacity.
• Making fervent promises to God during a crisis (e.g., "Lord, if you deliver me, I will...") which are forgotten once the crisis passes.