Lesson 14: Vows Sacred, Usury forbidden; Psalms 15:4-5

INTRODUCTION: What is a vow? In brief, a vow is a promise either made to God directly or to a man with God as a witness. Vows are therefore very sacred. It is a promise no one dares fail to fulfill. What is usury means lending out money with interest.

1. How important are vows? Can we defer to pay our vows? Under what conditions can vows be nullified? Number 30:9, Deut. 23:21, Matt. 5:23, Acts 17:30-31, Eccl. 5:4-5, Number 30:3-8, Number 30:9. Vows are extremely sacred and we must pay them quickly. We must not defer payment till a convenient time. A father can nullify vows of his unmarried daughter and husband can nullify the vows of his wife, but a widow and a divorcee will be held responsible for their vows.

2. Why is God so particular about paying your vows? Psalms 119:89, Genesis 3:15, John 16:33, Jeremiah 1:19, John 15:7, John 14:2-3. God expects His children to be like Him. When He makes a promise He will never change. He will fulfill His promise. There are many vows He made, some of which are already fulfilled, some of which are being daily fulfilled and some yet to be fulfilled. Can you name some more in each category?

3. Are you permitted to lend money with interest? Can we save in the Bank and collect interest? What is the difference between the two? Lev.15:35-37, Exodus 22:25, Ezek. 22:12, Luke 19:23, Proverbs 22:22-23, Prov. 88:8, Deut. 24:19-21. Lending out money with interest is strictly forbidden by God. Of course you can put money in the bank and collect interest thereon. The difference is that the bank uses your money to trade and gives you only a fraction of the gain, but does not expect you to make profit out of the need of others who come to you for help in their time of need.

4. Is there any danger in getting rich quickly, particular by methods that are not completely clean? Should a Christian underpay his employees? What if the employees are lazy? Jere. 17:11, Prov. 21:6: Isaiah 28:15-18, Jere 22:13, Proverbs 16:8. Prosperity by deceit leads to death. Never underpay your employees. It is better to be cheated than to cheat.

CONCLUSION:Have you a vow that you have not paid? Don’t delay. Have you cheated in giving loan or interest? Ask God for mercy now