If you’ve seen Star Wars, you’ll remember the iconic scene in Return of the Jedi when Admiral Ackbar shouts, “It’s a trap!” upon realizing that the Rebels have fallen into a cunning ambush set by the Emperor to lure them out of hiding—a trap that nearly destroyed the entire Rebel fleet.
King Solomon makes a similar declaration in Proverbs 20.
It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows (NIV).
I read through multiple translations of the verse to better grasp the wisdom Solomon is imparting to his audience. Below are some alternate translations:
🤞 Don’t fall into the trap of making promises to God before you think! (CEV)
🤞 It is a snare to dedicate a gift to God rashly and reflect on the vows only afterwards, (CJB)
🤞 Think carefully before you promise to give something to God. Later, you might wish you had not made that promise. (ERV)
🤞It is a trap for a person to say carelessly, “It is holy!” And after the vows to make inquiry. (NASB)
🤞 Don’t trap yourself by making a rash promise to God and only later counting the cost. (NLT)
Based on various translations, Solomon’s advice on making promises becomes remarkably clear. Making a dedication or vow to God without thinking it through, only to realize the implications afterward, is a trap!
So, let’s briefly dissect “it’s a trap!”
What is a trap or snare? It refers to a device or situation designed to catch, entangle, or deceive someone or something, often unexpectedly. Solomon warns us that making rash religious vows or promises is a trap. But who sets traps and snares? Both the Apostle Peter and Paul reveal that it is Satan. They each use the word “snare” to describe one of the Devil’s tactics. Satan frequently creates situations and devices that appear harmless but are actually dangerous. Carelessly made vows to God are one such snare.
Therefore, we must think carefully about what we promise or dedicate to God. Carelessly made vows are a trap set by the Devil, who knows how likely we are to break those promises and how much that displeases God.
So, don’t fall for the Devil’s trap—think carefully about what you dedicate, promise, or pledge to God! #KeepYourWord
Adonai's Appeal 