VOWS AND WISDOM

VOWS AND WISDOM

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Judges 11

Judges 11:30-31
“And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands, Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the LORD’S, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.”

Supporting Texts: Ecclesiastes 5:4-6, Matthew 5:33-37, James 1:5, Proverbs 13:3, Proverbs 10:19

Description: Words are powerful; rash vows bring regret, but wise speech brings life, peace, and blessing.

INTRODUCTION:
The story of Jephthah in Judges 11 is both inspiring and sobering. God used him, a man once rejected, to bring deliverance to Israel. Yet in the midst of victory, he made a vow that turned into tragedy when his only daughter became the victim of his rash words.

Vows were taken seriously in biblical times, and God expected His people to honour their commitments. However, making vows without wisdom or consideration often led to regret and sorrow. Jephthah’s story warns us to think before we speak.

As Christians today, our words matter greatly. Jesus reminds us to let our “Yes” be yes and our “No” be no. We must learn wisdom in speech, guided by God’s Spirit, so that our words do not trap us or harm others.

1. THE POWER OF WORDS
Words carry life or death, blessing or curse.

a) Words shape destinies – What we say can determine outcomes (Proverbs 18:21).

b) Words reveal the heart – Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34).

c) Careless words bring consequences – By our words we are justified or condemned (Matthew 12:36-37).

d) Wise words preserve life – A soft answer turns away wrath (Proverbs 15:1).

Biblical Example: Jacob’s words over his sons shaped their future (Genesis 49:1-28).

2. THE DANGER OF RASH VOWS
Jephthah’s vow teaches us that hasty words can destroy what we cherish.

a) Rash vows are often made in desperation – Jephthah vowed during battle uncertainty (Judges 11:30).

b) Rash vows bind the speaker – Once spoken, words cannot be withdrawn (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5).

c) Rash vows can harm others – His daughter paid the price for his words (Judges 11:34-35).

d) Rash vows bring regret – Jephthah’s joy of victory turned into sorrow.

Biblical Example: Herod’s rash promise cost John the Baptist his life (Mark 6:22-28).

3. THE WISDOM OF SPEECH
God calls us to use our words wisely.

a) Seek divine wisdom before speaking – If any man lacks wisdom, let him ask of God (James 1:5).

b) Speak few but thoughtful words – In the multitude of words, sin is not lacking (Proverbs 10:19).

c) Guard your lips – He who guards his mouth preserves his life (Proverbs 13:3).

d) Let your words align with God’s will – Say only what pleases Him (Colossians 4:6).

Biblical Example: Daniel spoke with wisdom and tact before the king (Daniel 2:14-16).

4. THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING COMMITMENTS
God expects us to honour our words when made to Him or others.

a) God delights in integrity – Better not to vow than to vow and not pay (Ecclesiastes 5:4-6).

b) Commitments to God must be holy – Vows should be made thoughtfully (Deuteronomy 23:21-23).

c) Our words should reflect our faith – Let your Yes be Yes and your No, No (Matthew 5:37).

d) God judges careless promises – Empty words invite His displeasure.

Biblical Example: Hannah’s vow was made carefully and fulfilled joyfully (1 Samuel 1:11, 27-28).

5. SPEAKING WITH GRACE AND FAITH
The believer’s speech should build, not destroy.

a) Speak in faith, not fear – Our words must carry God’s promises, not desperation (Mark 11:23).

b) Speak to edify others – Our words should minister grace to the hearers (Ephesians 4:29).

c) Speak under the Spirit’s control – The Spirit gives wisdom in speech (Luke 12:12).

d) Speak words of life and blessing – Bless and do not curse (Romans 12:14).

Biblical Example: Jesus’ words brought healing and life (John 11:43-44).

CONCLUSION:
Jephthah’s story shows us the tragic power of rash words. What seemed like a small vow turned into a devastating loss. This warns us to weigh our words, seek God’s wisdom, and avoid careless speech.

Let us be people of integrity, whose words reflect God’s wisdom and bring blessing to ourselves and others. May we speak life, not death; hope, not despair; wisdom, not folly.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me wisdom to speak words that glorify You.
2. Father, deliver me from the snare of careless speech.
3. Lord, heal every damage caused by my past words.
4. Father, help me to honour every vow I have made before You.
5. Lord, let my words carry grace and blessing.
6. Father, make my mouth a channel of encouragement and truth.
7. Lord, keep me from making vows in desperation.
8. Father, fill me with the Spirit of wisdom in my speech.
9. Lord, may my words align with Your will at all times.
10. Father, turn my confessions into testimonies.

GOD’S WORD FOR YOU TODAY:
1. Your words will not trap you in sorrow.
2. Every rash vow you have made is nullified by the mercy of God.
3. From today, wisdom will guide your speech.
4. Your mouth will be an instrument of blessing.
5. No careless word will destroy your destiny.
6. The Spirit of God will teach you when to speak and when to be silent.
7. Your commitments to God shall bring joy, not regret.
8. You will speak words that heal and not harm.
9. The Lord will restore whatever careless words have damaged in your life.
10. From this day forward, your words shall align with divine wisdom and bring you peace.