THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Cyril. Hence, we are called to honor our commitments to God, and anyone who has made a promise should fulfill it promptly, as it is truly serious and perilous to delay this obligation, as I believe, supported by the teachings of Holy Scripture. When we reflect thoughtfully, it is indeed inappropriate to be charged with deceit; thus, it is even more disgraceful to pledge or confess something before the Lord and then to violate that pledge. The law condemns all who have vowed but postponed their fulfillment, and even those who have completely failed to honor their promises, labeling them as sinful. However, it absolves those who possess nothing of their own, being under necessary obligations and living under another's authority.
Read more (194 words)
The book of Numbers states: “And Moses spake unto the chiefs of the tribes of the children of Israel, saying, This is what the Lord hath commanded: if a man make a vow unto the Lord, or swear by an oath, having put a vow upon his soul, he shall not break his word, but shall fulfil all that came out of his mouth. If a woman shall make a vow unto the Lord, and put a vow upon herself in her father's house, in her youth, and her father shall hear her vow, and the vow which she hath put upon her soul, and her father shall be silent concerning it, then all her vows shall take place, and every vow which she hath put upon her soul shall take place; But if her father, when he hears, forbid her, all her vows and her vows which she hath put upon her soul shall not come to pass, and the Lord shall forgive her, because her father hath forbidden her” (Num. 30:2-6). Furthermore, should a wife be bound to her husband in accordance with the law, this same principle remains applicable (Num. 30:7-9).