Ecclesiastes 5:5

Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.

Cross-references

Deuteronomy 23:22 directly states it is no sin to refrain from a vow, matching the advice that it is better not to vow than to vow and not pay.

Proverbs 20:25 calls reconsidering a vow a trap, aligning with the wisdom of not vowing rather than vowing and failing to pay.

Leviticus 22:21 requires that an animal offered to fulfill a vow be without blemish—reinforcing the need to properly keep vows made to God.

Numbers 30:2 commands that a man must not break his word but fulfill whatever he vows—the very principle behind the warning in Ecclesiastes.

Deuteronomy 23:21 says not to delay fulfilling a vow, for it is sin—directly echoing the caution against unfulfilled vows.

Deuteronomy 23:23 insists on careful performance of voluntary vows—reinforcing the seriousness of making vows to God.

Judges 11:30 records Jephthah's rash vow that led to tragedy—an example of why it's better not to make a dangerous vow.

Psalm 22:25 Contrast

Psalm 22:25 declares that the psalmist will pay his vows before the congregation—a positive example of fulfilling vows to God.

Psalm 50:14 Parallel

Psalm 50:14 commands to fulfill vows to the Most High—directly reinforcing the duty to keep what is vowed.

Psalm 116:18 shows the ideal of paying vows, directly contrasting the warning against vowing and not paying here.

Psalm 119:106 demonstrates commitment to keep an oath, reinforcing the importance of fulfilling what is sworn.

Jonah 2:9 Parallel

Jonah 2:9 has Jonah paying his vow from the fish, exemplifying the proper response urged here.

Malachi 1:14 condemns those who vow but offer a blemished sacrifice, a specific form of not paying vows.