It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashlyThis phrase warns against making hasty commitments, particularly in the context of vows or dedications to God. In ancient Israel, vows were serious promises made to God, often involving sacrifices or offerings (
Leviticus 27:1-8). The cultural context emphasizes the importance of thoughtful deliberation before making such commitments. The term "trap" suggests a snare or pitfall, indicating the potential spiritual and practical consequences of rash decisions. This aligns with
Ecclesiastes 5:4-5, which advises fulfilling vows promptly and not making them lightly. The concept of rashness is also seen in the story of Jephthah (
Judges 11:30-31, 34-35), whose hasty vow led to personal tragedy.
only later to reconsider his vows
Reconsidering vows implies a change of heart or regret after making a commitment. In biblical times, vows were binding and breaking them was considered sinful (Numbers 30:2). This phrase highlights the human tendency to act impulsively and the subsequent realization of the weight of one's promises. The historical context underscores the gravity of vows, as they were not only personal commitments but also public declarations of faithfulness to God. Jesus addresses the issue of oaths inMatthew 5:33-37, urging honesty and integrity without the need for elaborate promises. This reflects the broader biblical theme of sincerity in one's relationship with God, as seen inPsalm 15:4, which praises those who keep their promises even when it is difficult.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His insights often reflect the practical and spiritual challenges faced by individuals in their daily lives.
2.
Ancient IsraelThe cultural and religious context of ancient Israel, where vows and dedications were common practices, often made before God as a sign of commitment or gratitude.
3.
Vows and DedicationsIn the biblical context, these were solemn promises made to God, often involving offerings or sacrifices. They were not to be taken lightly, as they were binding and sacred.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Rash DecisionsMaking hasty commitments, especially spiritual ones, can lead to regret and spiritual consequences. It is crucial to consider the weight of our words and promises before making them.
The Importance of IntegrityOur integrity is reflected in our ability to keep our promises. As Christians, we are called to be people of our word, reflecting God's faithfulness in our own lives.
Seeking God's GuidanceBefore making any vow or dedication, seek God's wisdom and guidance through prayer and reflection. This ensures that our commitments align with His will and purpose for our lives.
The Consequences of ReconsiderationReconsidering a vow can lead to a loss of trust and credibility. It is better to refrain from making a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.
Living a Life of ConsistencyConsistency in our commitments and actions builds a strong testimony. Our lives should reflect the consistency and reliability of God's character.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 20:25?
2.How does Proverbs 20:25 warn against making rash vows to God?
3.What are the consequences of not considering vows, according to Proverbs 20:25?
4.How does Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 relate to Proverbs 20:25 on vows?
5.How can we ensure our commitments align with God's will, per Proverbs 20:25?
6.What steps can you take to avoid "a trap" in your spiritual life?
7.What does Proverbs 20:25 mean by "It is a trap to dedicate something rashly"?
8.How does Proverbs 20:25 challenge impulsive decisions in religious commitments?
9.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 20:25?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 20?
11.Do you fulfill your vows to God faithfully?
12.What does the Bible say about breaking vows?
13.How could an all-knowing God condone vows leading to violence against families and communities (Judges 21:1–11)?
14.Do you fulfill your vows to God faithfully?What Does Proverbs 20:25 Mean
It is a trapThe proverb begins with a stark warning: “It is a trap…” A trap is unseen until it snaps shut, and Scripture often uses that imagery for spiritual dangers (Proverbs 29:25;1 Timothy 6:9). Here the snare lies in our own words. What feels harmless in the moment can suddenly bind us, much like the “thorns and snares” set before the wayward (Proverbs 22:5). Recognizing that hidden peril invites us to slow down, pray, and weigh our promises before speaking.
for a man to dedicate something rashlyTo “dedicate” is to set something apart for God’s use—time, money, possessions, even ourselves. The problem surfaces when the dedication is rash, impulsive, or emotion-driven.
• Jephthah’s tragic vow inJudges 11:30-35 illustrates the pain of hasty words.
• God anticipated such impulsiveness and provided guidelines inLeviticus 27:1-13, showing He takes vows seriously.
•Proverbs 19:2 cautions, “Enthusiasm without knowledge is not good,” reminding us that zeal must be guided by wisdom.
•Deuteronomy 23:21 urges, “When you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not delay to pay it,” underscoring that God expects follow-through, not spur-of-the-moment pledges.
only later to reconsider his vowsThe snare tightens when regret sets in. Once the words are out, the promise stands (Numbers 30:2). Second thoughts do not dissolve the obligation.
•Ecclesiastes 5:4-6 warns that delaying or reneging on vows offends God and invites ruin.
•Psalm 15:4 praises the person “who keeps his oath, even when it hurts,” highlighting integrity over convenience.
• Jesus upholds the same standard, urging straightforward honesty over elaborate oaths (Matthew 5:33-37).
Looking back with remorse is avoidable when we first look ahead with discernment. Careful reflection before making a commitment spares us the spiritual turmoil of scrambling for an escape clause afterward.
summaryProverbs 20:25 teaches that words offered to God—or to others—carry covenant weight. Hasty promises spring from impulse, not discernment, and quickly become snares when reality sets in. Scripture calls us to measured speech, thoughtful dedication, and unwavering follow-through. By pausing to seek God’s wisdom before we vow, we avoid the trap and walk in integrity that honors Him and blesses those around us.
(25)
It is a snare to a man who devoureth that which is holy.--Rather,
It is a snare for a man(
i.e.,gets him into trouble)
rashly to say,"
It is dedicated"(i.e., when he thoughtlessly dedicates anything to God),
and after he has vowed to enquire(whether he can keep his word). (Comp.
Ecclesiasticus 5:2;
Ecclesiasticus 5:4-6.)
Verse 25. -
It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy. This verse, which is plainly a warning against rash vows, has received more than one interpretation. The Vulgate has,
Ruina est homini devorare sanctos, which is explained to mean that it is destruction for a man to persecute the saints of God. But the word
devorare is not certain, as the manuscripts vary between this and four other readings, viz.
devotares, denotare, devovere, and
devocare. The Authorized Version signifies that it is a sin to take for one's own consumption things dedicated to God, as firstfruits, the priests' portions, etc.: or a man's snare,
i.e. his covetousness (
1 Timothy 6:9), leads him to commit sacrilege. So Wordsworth. But it is best, with Delitzsch, to take
יָלַע (
yala) as the abbreviated future of
לוּע or
לָעַע, "to speak rashly;" and then
kodesh, "holiness," will be an exclamation, like
korban (
Mark 7:11). The clause will then run, "It is a snare to a man rashly to cry, Holiness!" equivalent to "It is holy!"
i.e. to use the formula for consecrating something to holy purposes. Septuagint, "It is a snare to a man hastily to consecrate something of his own" (comp.
Ecclesiastes 5:2, 4, etc.).
And after vows to make inquiry;i.e. after he has made his vow, to begin to consider whether he can fulfil it or not. This is a snare to a man, strangles his conscience, and leads him into the grievous sins of perjury and sacrilege. Septuagint, "For after vowing ensueth repentance."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
It is a trapמוֹקֵ֣שׁ(mō·w·qêš)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4170:A bait or lure, a snarefor a manאָ֭דָם(’ā·ḏām)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120:Ruddy, a human beingto dedicateקֹ֑דֶשׁ(qō·ḏeš)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6944:A sacred place, thing, sanctitysomething rashlyיָ֣לַע(yā·la‘)Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3216:To blurt, utter inconsideratelyonly laterוְאַחַ֖ר(wə·’a·ḥar)Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 310:The hind or following partto reconsiderלְבַקֵּֽר׃(lə·ḇaq·qêr)Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1239:To plough, break forth, to inspect, admire, care for, considerhis vows.נְדָרִ֣ים(nə·ḏā·rîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5088:A promise, a thing promised
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 20:25 It is a snare to a man (Prov. Pro Pr) 
