Every Decision Has a Price Tag Associated with it

In review of Proverbs 20:25 it says, “It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows” (NIV).

Proverbs 20:25

I shouldn't trap myself by making a rash promise to God, or anyone else, only to count and regret the cost afterwards.

This mornings verse points out the danger of making a promise rashly, only to later reconsider or count the true cost and then not intend to fulfill it. What I’m learning is that God takes promises seriously and requires that they be carried out. Jesus, also reminds me that it is better not to make promises to God unless I plan to carry them out. It is extremely important that if I’m going to make a promise, that I be fully aware of the consequences of breaking it.

In this life I only have a certain number of days. Every time I give a minute of my life to anything, I’m giving a piece of my life away. It’s time I’ll never get back. When I give my time to something, I’m giving a piece of my life for it.

This is why every decision has a price tag. Every decision will cost me time, money, energy, reputation, talents, or resources. There’s always an investment to be made.

Proverbs 20:25 says, “It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows” (NIV). It is a trap to decide without deliberating, to make a promise without pondering, to make a commitment without first considering the cost.

One of the rules of life is that it’s always easier to get in than to get out. It’s easier to get into a relationship than get out. It’s easier to get into debt than to get out. It’s easier to fill my schedule than to fulfill my schedule.

There is a price tag with every decision. So be sure to really count the cost.

Bottom Line:

Be careful to not fall into the trap of making promises before you fully think through it.

What this means to me:

It is a trap for me to to dedicate to or promise something rashly, only later to  reconsider what I vowed.

In summary, God takes promises seriously and requires that they be carried out. So it's better to not make a promise to God unless I plan to carry it out. Every time I give a minute of my life to anything, I'm giving a piece of my life away. It's time I'll never get back. So every decision will cost me. There is always an investment to be made. Therefore, it's a trap to decide without deliberating, to make a promise without pondering, to make a commitment without first consider the cost. It's always easier to get in then to get out. Likewise, it's easy to fill my schedule than to fulfill my schedule.

As you speak to me in your Word this morning, you have a warning for me about promises, especially ones I make rashly. Your intent is for me to fulfill what I promise or commit to. I should be fully thinking through the implication of it. This is timely, as I’m thinking about my assistance to help lead a discussion group as part of the next Financial Peace University at church. This will require some dedication on my part to be there on time (leave work early enough or work from home) and a willingness to spend one-on-one time with others. I also need to heed caution as I schedule my day and activities. This morning Father I pray for your wisdom and guidance on tasks in front of me and decisions that I need to make. Help me lead well and interact with others rightly. These things I pray in your Son Jesus name, amen!