Deuteronomy 23:22

22 But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall not be sin in thee.

Deuteronomy 23:22 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 23:22

But if thou shalt forbear to vow
That a man might do, though there was ability; it was expected indeed that men should vow and bring freewill offerings in proportion to their ability; whether they were of the greater sort, of the herd and flock, or of fowls, or even of fine flour, these were acceptable to the Lord: but if they were not vowed and brought,

it shall be no sin in thee;
no charge of guilt be brought or punishment laid; it should not be reckoned a crime, nor be punishable in any respect, and especially where there was a willing mind and no ability; otherwise negligence, niggardliness, and ingratitude, are not well pleasing in the sight of God.

Deuteronomy 23:22 In-Context

20 Unto a stranger thou may lend upon usury, but unto thy brother thou shalt not lend upon usury that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thy hands upon the land which thou doest enter in to inherit.

21 When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not delay to pay it; for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.

22 But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall not be sin in thee.

23 That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform, that which thou hast promised unto the LORD thy God, that which thou hast spoken of thy free will with thy mouth.

24 When thou comest into thy neighbour’s vineyard, then thou may eat grapes, thy fill at thine own pleasure; but thou shalt not put any in thy vessel.