Proverbs 20:25

¶ [It is] a snare to the man [who] devoureth [that which is] holy, and after vows to make enquiry.

It is a snare {H4170} to the man {H120} who devoureth {H3216} that which is holy {H6944}, and after {H310} vows {H5088} to make enquiry {H1239}.

It is a snare to dedicate a gift to God rashly and reflect on the vows only afterwards.

It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly, only later to reconsider his vows.

It is a snare to a man rashly to say, It is holy, And after vows to make inquiry.

Commentary on Proverbs 20:25 (KJV)

Proverbs 20:25 offers profound wisdom regarding the sanctity of dedicated things and the integrity of promises made to God. The verse warns against two related pitfalls that can lead to spiritual and personal detriment: treating sacred things irreverently and reneging on solemn vows.

Context and Cultural Background

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of ancient Israelite wisdom, guiding individuals in living righteously and prudently. In ancient Israel, the concept of "holy" (Hebrew: qodesh) was central to their faith. It referred to anything set apart, consecrated, or dedicated exclusively for God's use or worship, such as tithes, offerings, firstfruits, and dedicated objects or persons. To "devour" or consume that which is holy implies treating it as common property for personal gain, showing disrespect for God's ownership and sacred purposes.

Similarly, vows (Hebrew: nedarim) were solemn promises made to God, often involving a dedication of something or a commitment to an action or abstinence. These were taken very seriously in the Mosaic Law, as detailed in Numbers 30:2 and Deuteronomy 23:21-23. To "make enquiry" after a vow means to second-guess, question, or seek a way out of a promise already made to God, often out of regret or a desire to reclaim what was committed.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Reverence for the Sacred: The verse emphasizes the importance of respecting what belongs to God. Treating holy things as common, or using them for selfish purposes, is a serious offense that incurs divine displeasure. This principle is echoed in passages like Malachi 3:8, which speaks of robbing God in tithes and offerings.
  • Integrity of Vows and Promises: A vow made to God is not to be taken lightly. Once a promise is uttered, it is binding. The wisdom here warns against the temptation to retract or find loopholes in commitments made in moments of fervor or need. God expects faithfulness and integrity in all our dealings, especially those involving Him.
  • The "Snare" of Disobedience: The consequence of such actions is described as a "snare" (Hebrew: moqesh), a trap that leads to trouble, difficulty, or ruin. This highlights that disrespect for God's holiness and deceit in keeping promises will inevitably lead to negative outcomes, both spiritually and practically. It serves as a reminder that transgression brings its own snare.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "devoureth" (yala) implies gulping down or consuming hastily and without proper respect or care, suggesting a greedy or irreverent appropriation. "Holy" (qodesh) signifies that which is separated or set apart for divine use, emphasizing its unique status. The term "snare" (moqesh) literally refers to a bird trap, vividly illustrating the unexpected and dangerous consequences of such actions.

Practical Application

This proverb remains highly relevant today. It calls believers to:

  • Exercise Stewardship with Reverence: Understand that certain resources, talents, and even time are to be consecrated to God. Using them for selfish gain or without acknowledging God's ownership can be a form of "devouring holy things."
  • Keep Your Word to God: Whether it's a commitment made in prayer, a promise during a time of need, or a pledge of service, integrity demands that we fulfill our vows. Do not make promises lightly, and once made, strive to keep them.
  • Be Mindful of Consequences: The "snare" serves as a warning. Disregarding God's holiness or breaking promises to Him can lead to spiritual dryness, lack of blessing, or other unforeseen difficulties in life. It underscores the principle that our actions, especially those involving God, have significant repercussions.

In essence, Proverbs 20:25 is a timeless admonition to live with integrity, respect for God's sacred things, and faithfulness in all commitments.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ecclesiastes 5:4

    ¶ When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for [he hath] no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.

  • Ecclesiastes 5:6

    Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it [was] an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?

  • Matthew 5:33

    Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:

  • Numbers 30:2

    If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.

  • Numbers 30:16

    These [are] the statutes, which the LORD commanded Moses, between a man and his wife, between the father and his daughter, [being yet] in her youth in her father's house.

  • Leviticus 5:15

    If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the LORD; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the LORD a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering:

  • Malachi 3:8

    Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

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