Saturday, December 27 Better for you not to vow than to vow and not pay.​—Eccl. 5:5.

[Áine]

Saturday, December 27

Better for you not to vow than to vow and not pay.—Eccl. 5:5.

 

If you are a Bible student or if you are being raised by parents who are Witnesses, are you thinking about getting baptized? That is a commendable goal! Before getting baptized, though, you will need to dedicate yourself to Jehovah. How do you dedicate yourself to Jehovah? You promise him in prayer that you will worship only him and that you will put his will first in your life. Really, you are promising Jehovah that you will continue to love him “with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind and with your whole strength.” (Mark 12:30) Your dedication is made in private, between you and Jehovah. In contrast, baptism is public; it shows onlookers that you have made a dedication. Your dedication is a sacred vow, and Jehovah expects you to live up to it, just as you expect that of yourself.—Eccl. 5:4. w24.03 2 ¶2; 3 ¶5

[dljbsp]

A vow is more than a sentence spoken aloud. Jehovah does not rush anyone toward such words. He allows time—time to think, time to grow, time to decide with calm conviction. That patience tells us something beautiful about Him: He desires willing devotion, not hurried promises. — Luke 14:28

 

When a person dedicates themselves to Jehovah, it is not a public performance or a moment meant to impress. Sometimes it's a slow turning of the heart, a decision to walk with Him day after day. Because of that, the Bible gently warns us to choose our words with care. What is said to Jehovah is never small. He hears. He remembers. — Psalm 15:4

 

This principle reaches into everyday life as well. Our plans, our goals, even our simple promises reflect who we are becoming. Jehovah teaches us that it is better to move forward slowly and honestly than to speak boldly before we are ready.  — Matthew 5:37; Micah 6:8

 

So before making a serious commitment, wisdom invites us to pause. Are these words something I can live by, not just now, but over time? Thoughtful promises protect our friendship with Jehovah and allow it to grow deep, strong, and lasting.

[Jones Nogueira]

Dedication is a personal and sacred vow, made in prayer, in which a person promises to put Jehovah’s will first.

Comment: The text highlights the seriousness of dedication to Jehovah before baptism. This dedication is a personal and sacred vow, made in prayer, in which the person promises to put Jehovah’s will first. Just as Ecclesiastes 5:5 warns, it is better not to vow than to vow and not pay — which emphasizes the responsibility and respect we must have for this decision.

Practical Lesson: Those considering baptism should reflect deeply on what it means to dedicate themselves to Jehovah. This decision requires commitment of heart, mind, and strength, demonstrating that the worship of Jehovah will be the center of their life. Therefore, it is essential not to act under external pressure, but out of personal conviction, demonstrating true and lasting love for Jehovah through actions and continuous obedience.