RPG Adults
MONEY AND THE KEEPING OF VOWS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9
Deuteronomy 23:19-25
Ecclesiastes 5:4-6
“When thou vowest
a vow unto God,
defer not to pay it…”
MONEY AND THE KEEPING OF VOWS
The treatment of people also includes our financial dealings with them. Israel was commanded not to lend money to their brothers with interest (Deut 23:19-20). They could only charge interest to strangers. The understanding here is that the borrower is poor or has an urgent need. The common understanding was that one would lend what was needed and the same amount would be repaid. Strangers would be treated as commercial dealers and were thus obliged to pay interest for the money that they borrowed. The text concluded that God would bless the generosity of those who lent to their brethren.
These were laws of daily conduct that the Lord gave to Israel. They were to live in harmony with one another in the Promised Land that God was going to give to them. The Lord gave these laws to instruct the infant nation. The laws which were of civil nature were delegated to the civil government. In the fullness of time, the ceremonial part of the law was abrogated. However, the moral aspect of God’s law remains perpetually. A vow is a commitment that cannot be reversed. Thus, it was a law that a vow made must be fulfilled (Deut 23:21-23). It is thus important that one does not rush into making a vow. All vows also must be lawful or God’s hand would overrule them. In the book of Acts, more than forty Jews made a vow not to eat anything till they had killed Paul. Since their commitment was unlawful, God defeated their resolve (Acts 23:12-22). A vow goes hand in hand with telling the truth. Committing oneself to that would be lawful. When you make a vow, will you be faithful to honour your words?
In relation to the neighbours, they were allowed to eat what was in the field or vineyard to their full. But they were forbidden from carrying anything out (Deut 23:24-25). This was meant to discourage stealing and to maintain the law of kindness to one’s neighbour.
THOUGHT: A believer’s testimony includes his use of his money.
PRAYER: Father, may I always be honest.