The Weight of our Words

At the beginning of every year, we all make promises. “This year, I’ll lose weight.” “I’ll save more money.” “I’ll read my Bible every day.” We call them New Year’s resolutions — but if we’re being honest, how many of us actually follow through?

I remember promising God that I would win 100 souls for Him last year. I was fired up, full of passion and zeal. But as the months went by, I struggled. In the end, I barely got one soul established in church. And the funny thing? If I hadn’t made that grand vow and simply focused on winning that one soul, God would have honored it. But I rushed into a promise I couldn’t keep.

What Are Vows and Covenants?

A vow is a solemn promise, a binding commitment. It’s not something to be tossed around lightly. In biblical times, a vow was sacred — a covenant between a person and God. When you make a vow, you’re giving your word, and in the spiritual realm, your word holds power. Ecclesiastes 5:5 warns us:

“It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.”

The story of Jephthah is a perfect example of the dangers of rash vows. In Judges 11, Jephthah made a promise to God:

“If You will indeed give the Ammonites into my hand, then whatever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace from the Ammonites, it shall be the Lord’s, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering.”

God gave him victory — but when Jephthah returned home, his only daughter was the one who came out to greet him. Can you imagine the weight of that moment? His own words trapped him. He tore his clothes in grief, but the vow had been made. His daughter, understanding the gravity of the situation, honored his word.

This story isn’t just a tragic tale from ancient times. It’s a warning for us today. Too often, we speak without thinking. We make promises to God, hoping to strike a deal: “Lord, if You give me this job, I’ll serve You forever.” Or, “If You heal me, I’ll never sin again.” But God isn’t a “give-and-take” God. His blessings aren’t transactions. He gives because He loves us, not because we bargain with Him.

Vows Between People — and Before God

It’s not just vows to God we need to take seriously. Think about marriage vows. How many couples stand before God, family, and friends, making sacred promises — only to break them as if they were casual agreements? A marriage vow is a covenant, not just between two people, but before God Himself. Yet today, these vows are broken with shocking ease, often without a second thought.

We also make promises to friends and loved ones, swearing we’ll show up, support them, or keep their secrets. But how often do we break those promises? What does that say about the weight of our words?

Jesus said in Matthew 5:37:

“Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’”

In other words, be a person of integrity. Don’t swear by heaven or earth — just do what you say you will do. God values truth and honesty over empty promises.

The Power of Words

Words aren’t just sounds; they’re declarations in the spirit realm. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us:

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”

When we make vows, we’re setting things into motion. The spiritual realm takes our words seriously, even if we don’t. Angels don’t understand jokes. You can’t say, “Oh, I was just kidding!” once a promise is made.

So what do we do? First, stop making vows in the heat of emotion or desperation. Pray. Reflect. Trust that God’s goodness isn’t dependent on our promises but on His mercy. And if you’ve made vows you can’t keep, repent. God is merciful. He knows our weaknesses, and His grace covers our failures.

Before you speak, pause. Let your words be few, and your actions speak loud. God doesn’t require bargains — He desires a relationship.

May we all learn from Jephthah, from broken promises, and God’s unwavering grace. Let’s honor our words and trust in His goodness.