Proverbs 20:25

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

Proverbs 20:25 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
25 It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.
English Standard Version (ESV)
25 It is a snare to say rashly, "It is holy," and to reflect only after making vows.
New Living Translation (NLT)
25 Don’t trap yourself by making a rash promise to God and only later counting the cost.
The Message Bible (MSG)
25 An impulsive vow is a trap; later you'll wish you could get out of it.
American Standard Version (ASV)
25 It is a snare to a man rashly to say, [It is] holy, And after vows to make inquiry.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
25 It is a trap for a person to say impulsively, "This is a holy offering!" and later to have second thoughts about those vows.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
25 It is a trap for anyone to dedicate something rashly and later to reconsider his vows.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
25 A man is trapped if he makes a hasty promise to God and only later thinks about what he said.

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 The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.
24 A person’s steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand their own way?
25 It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows.
26 A wise king winnows out the wicked; he drives the threshing wheel over them.
27 The human spirit is the lamp of the LORD that sheds light on one’s inmost being.

Cross References 1

  • 1. S Proverbs 10:19; Proverbs 18:13; Ecc 5:2,4-5; Jeremiah 44:25
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