Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.

And it is much better not to vow, than after a vow not to perform the things promised.

Better is it that thou shouldst not vow, than that thou shouldst vow and not pay.

Better that thou do not vow, than that thou dost vow and dost not complete.

It is better not to take an oath than to take an oath and not keep it.

And it is much better not to make a vow, than, after a vow, not to fulfill what was promised.

Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, etc. - We are under constant obligations to live to God; no vow can make it more so. Yet, there may be cases in which we should bind ourselves to take up some particular cross, to perform some particular duty, to forego some particular attachment that does not tend to bring our souls nearer to God. Then, if fully determined, and strong in faith relative to the point, bind and hold fast; but if not fully, rationally, and conscientiously determined, "do not suffer thy mouth to cause thy soul to sin."

Better is it that thou shouldest not vow,.... For a vow is an arbitrary thing; a man is not bound to make it, and while he vows not, it is in his own power, and at his option, whether he will do this or that, or not; but when he has once vowed, he is then brought under an obligation, and must perform; see Acts 5:4; and therefore it is better not to vow; it is more acceptable to God, and, it is better for a man;
than that thou shouldest vow and not pay; for this shows great weakness and folly, levity and inconstancy, and is resented by the Lord.

(Deuteronomy 23:21, Deuteronomy 23:23).