The idle words we need to be concerned with are our carnal words, words that come from our carnal nature, words that we allow knowingly or carelessly.

     Solomon warns in the book of Proverbs that our words have the power of life and death.

     Our fathers taught us that our word is our bond, but God takes this even further. He has placed His word above all else, even above His own name.

     This study focuses on the act of ‘giving of our word’. While entering some studies into my computer, I became increasingly concerned about the topic of vows and oaths. As I read the Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, I started to understand this, and as a result, I made a deliberate effort to avoid any kind of vow or oath. As I studied the Bible, I encountered numerous examples of individuals swearing oaths and making vows. It became clear to me that these commitments were not elaborate religious ceremonies but rather simple acts of individuals giving their word.

     It became clear that the individual making the vow were just saying that they will do something (giving their word). In the 50+ years that I’ve been a Christian, I can’t recall receiving any instructions on vows or what they actually were. I have read James 5:12 numerous times, and the passage “above all things, my brethren, swear not” has left me at a loss. I had thought there were many things far worse than giving God my word.

     I've known Christians who find themselves in dire straits, and I’ve heard of pastors who have fallen from the ministry. I believe that our idle words are not only going to cause us trouble when we get before the judgment seat of Christ, but we are experiencing complications now in this life.

     In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon warns us about the consequences awaiting those who enter into a vow and fail to fulfill it. In Ecclesiastes 5:4-6, we see the significance that God places on our words.

Solomon also states that one can do evil with words

     When you make a promise or pledge to God, or try to negotiate a deal for something in return—no matter the circumstances—you are held responsible to keep your word. The following verse from the book of Numbers illustrates God's position on vows and oaths. This scripture is quite serious; God firmly declares that you are binding your the soul with a bond and that you must not break your word.

     If a Christian were to give their word to God, it is essential that they follow through on that commitment. In giving their word, they are no longer free; they have create a law for themselves, (Num. 30:2 describes this as binding one’s soul). This is why the Apostle James warned, “above all things, my brethren, swear not”. It is God's exclusive right, and ability to swear oaths, vows, and make promises—He does not fail. We, however, often do.

     What is the New Testament Christian’s stance on vows? It is important to note that this issue is not about righteousness.

It is not about our salvation.

     But how should we interpret Romans 8:1, which states that there is now no condemnation for Christians?

     If we, as Christians, are no longer subject to the curse of the law, how can we reconcile this with the consequences warned about in James 5:12? The only way that James 5:12 and Romans 8:1 are both true is to recognize that Vows and Oaths are coming from our flesh.

God is continually teaching, correcting and if necessary, chastening us. Therefore the condemnation that James describes in his epistle should not be taken lightly or ignored.

     It seems that some people think there are different levels when it comes to making promises to God. They may believe that an oath is more serious than a vow, or that a vow carries more weight than a simple pledge. This viewpoint suggests that someone could give their word to God without truly meaning it, and they have no need for worry or concern. However, Jesus addresses this when He states that we will give an account for “every idle word”.

     The topic of pledges can be confusing, primarily because the pressure to make a pledge comes from the church itself. Moreover, the term "pledge" obscures the reality of what we are truly doing, giving our word. When a church organizes a pledge drive, it is typically understood, in advance, that a certain percentage of individuals who commit to the pledge will fall short of fulfilling their word.

     Hold onto that word “EVIL”, we will be revisiting it in the Sermon on the mount shortly.

     Over the years I have seen many occasions where Christians were obligated to make a pledge to help meet a specific need in their church. In these instance, there is no warning given regarding the potential consequences of giving their word. While the need may indeed be legitimate and deserves support, the correct way to meet the need would be to purpose in your heart to give as you are able. So contributing to the need is commendable, but the act of pledging to do so is not. This issue becomes even more significant considering that Jesus on the Sermon on the Mount, tells us to”swear not at all”.

     That word "EVIL" has come up again. This time it’s Jesus using it. The words of Jesus clearly establish that in our Christian walk, we are not to make oaths, vows or swear.

     The following portion of scripture illustrates that God does not interfere with a person's vow. When we, in our pride, remove ourselves from under the protection of the LORD, we ultimately bear sole responsibility for the outcomes of our choices. In situations like this, the devil couldn't be more pleased.

     I have seen Christians with unresolved pledges living in poverty. Everything they touch seems to fall apart. While they may have food and shelter, they often have very little else. This is not the kind of Christianity described in the Bible. Jesus came to offer life in abundance.

     When you "give God your word," the consequences of an unfulfilled promise can be severe. At the very least, it may lead to poverty.

Woe to those by whom it comes. A lot of pastors have fallen from the ministry.

     We must get this message into our hearts, and not be hearers only. It is essential that we guard our words.

     Jesus has commanded us not to make vows. How is it then that we have wedding vows? If making a vow limits or excludes God's assistance in the thing that we vow, how can we expect our marriages to endure? The marriage union is spiritual not carnal. A more reasonable approach would be a wedding prayer. Instead of declaring to God what we will do to keep the marriage, why not ask for The LORD too keep the love and unity in the marriage. Ask for The LORD too fight against all that would attack the marriage. Ask for The LORD too make us able parents to raise up godly kids for him. Ask for The LORD to be the third person in the marriage. This approach lays a strong foundation.

     For those tripped up by this stumblingblock, don’t try and justify yourself before the LORD. Instead, humble yourself in the sight of the LORD. Christ provides forgiveness for all our transgressions. You need to get this under the blood. Even if the chastening of the LORD comes. Remember this Above all things God loves you.

     Father keep watch over our words, write in our hearts and mind to avoid this stumblingblock.

There are some ~5000 early manuscripts of the Bible, by and large they form a cohesive foundation. The Authorized Version of the King James Bible is in harmony with these. I therefore confidently use the KJV in my life, and in this study. The newer versions of the Bible lack that harmony (I sense another study coming).