It is a snare to say rashly, “It is holy,” and to reflect only after making vows.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 20:25
What does Proverbs 20:25 mean?
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Proverbs 20:25
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The verse isn't just about not taking what's God's, but also warns against thoughtlessly declaring something "holy" or dedicated, only to later scramble to figure out how to keep that promise. It highlights the danger of making commitments to God before truly considering their wisdom or feasibility, turning our words into a trap.
It is a snare to say rashly, “It is holy,” and to reflect only after making vows.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb warns against two kinds of rashness related to devotion. First, it highlights the danger of thoughtlessly declaring something "holy" or consecrated, implying a lack of consideration for God's ownership. Second, it cautions against making vows impulsively and only afterward inquiring about the wisdom or feasibility of fulfilling them, suggesting a careless approach to sacred promises.
Ever felt pressured to commit to something big, only to regret it later? This proverb warns against that exact kind of hasty decision.
Proverbs 20:25 highlights a 'snare' – a trap that catches us – which is to carelessly declare something 'holy' or dedicated to God. This isn't just about material things; it speaks to any vow or promise made without deep thought.
The Immediate Danger
Think about declaring something 'holy' impulsively. It means setting it apart, often with the intention of giving it to God or using it for sacred purposes. When done rashly, this act instantly creates a spiritual entanglement. You've spoken words of dedication, but without true understanding or commitment, you've walked into a trap.
The Consequence of Haste
This rashness leads directly to the second part of the snare: 'to reflect only after making vows.' This means you make the commitment first, and only then start wondering if it was wise, possible, or even right. It’s like signing a contract without reading the fine print, and then trying to find a loophole later.
We often think of 'holy things' as just temple offerings. But this proverb points to a deeper principle about our commitments.
The phrase 'devoureth that which is holy' (or 'utter a vow rashly' in some translations) describes the destructive outcome of thoughtless vows.
Misusing What Belongs to God
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One interpretation is the sin of sacrilege – taking something specifically set apart for God's use and consuming it for personal gain. This shows a disregard for God's ownership and a selfish pursuit.
The Deeper Trap of Post-Vow Inquiry
However, the proverb's main thrust is the process of making vows. It’s a snare when, after pledging something (whether an offering, a commitment to a certain lifestyle, or a difficult task), we then start looking for ways out. We inquire how to break it, how to minimize it, or how to satisfy our conscience without actually fulfilling the promise.
This isn't about genuine difficulty in keeping a vow; it's about the intention to find an escape hatch after the commitment is made, revealing a heart that wasn't fully surrendered in the first place.
Understand the original words
moqesh · Hebrew Noun
A trap, pitfall, or enticement that leads to ruin. It implies a situation where one is caught or ensnared, often due to their own lack of wisdom or impulsivity.
qodesh · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
That which is set apart for God's exclusive use or service. It signifies purity, sacredness, and separation from the common or profane.
neder · Hebrew Noun
A solemn promise or religious pledge made to God. It carries binding spiritual weight and requires faithful execution, as it involves a direct commitment to the Almighty.
This passage directly echoes Proverbs 20:25's warning about vows, stating it's better not to vow than to vow and not pay, highlighting the danger of unfulfilled commitments.
Malachi 3:8This verse speaks to the consequence of withholding what is due to God, which relates to the 'devouring what is holy' in Proverbs, showing the spiritual danger of misusing consecrated things.
Acts 5:1The story of Ananias and Sapphira perfectly illustrates the severe consequences of misrepresenting or misappropriating something dedicated to God, a strong parallel to the 'snare' of treating holy things lightly.
Matthew 15:5Jesus' teaching on Corban (vows of dedication) shows how people used vows to circumvent their responsibilities, reflecting the problematic nature of rash vows that Proverbs warns against.
bensonProverbs 20:25: "It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make inquiry."
Proverbs 20:25 . It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy — He is insnared in a crime, who takes away, and applies to his own use, any thing consecrated to God, and intended to be used in support of his worship and service; or who alienates any holy thing, and employs it to a secular purpose, which is here called devouring it: and after vows to make inquiry — After a man…
ellicottProverbs 20:25: "It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make inquiry."
(25) It is a snare to a man who devoureth that which is holy.— Rather, It is a snare for a man ( i.e., gets him into trouble) rashly to say, “ It is dedicated” (i.e., when he thoughtlessly dedicates anything to God), and after he has vowed to enquire (whether he can keep his word). (Comp. Ecclesiasticus 5:2 ; Ecclesiasticus 5:4-6 .)
The verse isn't just about not taking what's God's, but also warns against thoughtlessly declaring something "holy" or dedicated, only to later scramble to figure out how to keep that promise. It highlights the danger of making commitments to God before truly considering their wisdom or feasibility, turning our words into a trap.
This proverb warns against two kinds of rashness related to devotion. First, it highlights the danger of thoughtlessly declaring something "holy" or consecrated, implying a lack of consideration for God's ownership. Second, it cautions against making vows impulsively and only afterward inquiring about the wisdom or feasibility of fulfilling them, suggesting a careless approach to sacred promises.
This proverb warns against two kinds of rashness related to devotion. First, it highlights the danger of thoughtlessly declaring something "holy" or consecrated, implying a lack of consideration for God's ownership. Second, it cautions against making vows impulsively and only afterward inquiring about the wisdom or feasibility of fulfilling them, suggesting a careless approach to sacred promises.
"It is a snare to say rashly, “It is holy,” and to reflect only after making vows." — The verse isn't just about not taking what's God's, but also warns against thoughtlessly declaring something "holy" or dedicated, only to later scramble to figure out how to keep that promise. It h…
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Last reviewed October 2026