Deuteronomy 23:22

22 But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no 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 mayest lend upon interest, but unto thy brother thou shalt not lend upon interest, that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all that thou settest thine hand to in the land whither thou goest to possess it.

21 "When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not be slack 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 be no sin in thee.

23 That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform, even a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth.

24 "When thou comest into thy neighbor's vineyard, then thou mayest eat grapes to thy fill at thine own pleasure, but thou shalt not put any in thy vessel.