“This is what the Lord commands: When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said. (Numbers 30:1b-2 NIV)
There we go – I will keep my word, not just for my own integrity, but because my God commands it. Can’t get any clearer than this.
Wives seem to have it easier when it comes to (rash) promises made – because the husband is able to nullify it. God has given the responsibility to the husband. Silence means yes, in this case. Delayed response means yes as well – and the husband bears the consequences of the vows made.