Proverbs 20:25

25 It is a snare to a man hastily to consecrate some of his own property: for repentance comes after vowing.

Proverbs 20:25 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 20:25

[It is] a snare to the man [who] devoureth [that which is]
holy
Which is separated to sacred uses, is devoted to the Lord, as firstfruits, tithes, offerings which if a man converts to his own use is sacrilege, and this is a sin and a snare, and brings ruin on him; see ( Malachi 3:8 Malachi 3:9 ) ; and after vows to make inquiry:
that is a sin and a snare also; a man should first inquire before he vows, whether it is right for him to make a vow, and whether he is able to keep it; it is too late after the vow is made to inquire about the lawfulness or expedience of it, and how to find out ways and means to dissolve it and be clear of it; for it is better not to vow, than to vow and not pay, ( Ecclesiastes 5:4 Ecclesiastes 5:5 ) ; when a thing is in a man's own hands, he may do what he will; but when he has devoted it to another use, it is no longer in his power; as the case of Ananias and Sapphira shows, ( Acts 5:1-4 ) .

Proverbs 20:25 In-Context

23 A double weight is an abomination to the Lord; and a deceitful balance is not good in his sight.

24 A man's goings are directed of the Lord: how then can a mortal understand his ways?

25 It is a snare to a man hastily to consecrate some of his own property: for repentance comes after vowing.

26 A wise king utterly crushes the ungodly, and will bring a wheel upon them.

27 The spirit of man is a light of the Lord, who searches the inmost parts of the belly.