Proverbs 20:25
It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly, only later to reconsider his vows.
Majority Standard Bible
In The King James Version
It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.
In Context
24A man’s steps are from the LORD, so how can anyone understand his own way?
26A wise king separates out the wicked and drives the threshing wheel over them.
Cross References
Leviticus 5:15“If someone acts unfaithfully and sins unintentionally against any of the LORD’s holy things, he must bring his guilt offering to the LORD: an unblemished ram from the flock, of proper value in silver shekels according to the sanctuary shekel; it is a guilt offering.
Leviticus 27:9If he vows an animal that may be brought as an offering to the LORD, any such animal given to the LORD shall be holy.
Numbers 30:2If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised.
Deuteronomy 23:23Be careful to follow through on what comes from your lips, because you have freely vowed to the LORD your God with your own mouth.
Judges 21:22When their fathers or brothers come to us to complain, we will tell them, ‘Do us a favor by helping them, since we did not get wives for each of them in the war. Since you did not actually give them your daughters, you have no guilt.’”
Ecclesiastes 5:2Do not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. For God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few.
Matthew Henry on Proverbs 20:25
24 Man's goings are of the Lord ; how can a man then understand his own way? We are here taught that in all our affairs, 1. We have a necessary and constant dependence upon God. All our natural actions depend upon his providence, all our spiritual actions upon his grace. The best man is no better than God makes him; and every creature is that to us which it is the will of God that it should be. Our enterprises succeed, not as we desire and design, but as God directs and disposes. The goings even of a strong man… Read the whole commentary →