Definition: That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; [even] a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Deuteronomy 23:23. It’s a really important part of how God expects us to treat each other and our responsibilities. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is about taking responsibility for your words and actions, especially when they impact others. It's saying that what you say and how you act are incredibly important, and you absolutely must keep them to yourself. Let’s break it down further: “That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform…” – This means what you say or do stays with you . It's like a thought or action that you can’t easily erase. It’s the words you speak, the actions you take, and even your intentions behind them. “[even] a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth.” – This is the crucial part. It's like giving a small gift or offering to God. Here’s what it means: “Freewill Offering”: This refers to something you promise to God, and that promise is essential for your relationship with Him. You made a commitment – a promise – to God. “…according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God…” : This means you must keep what you’ve promised God. It’s about fulfilling your commitments and keeping your word. It's about honoring God by being truthful and responsible. “Which thou hast promised with thy mouth” : This emphasizes that the promise is a fundamental part of who you are – it’s deeply connected to your relationship with God. It’s not just an afterthought; it’s woven into your very being. In short, this verse tells us: Don't let your words and actions be a secret. They carry weight because they’re a promise you made to God. You must honor those promises by keeping them, and doing so with integrity and responsibility. Why is this important? The Bible emphasizes that our words have consequences. It's a reminder to think carefully before we speak or act, as our actions can impact others and build trust with God. It’s about demonstrating love, respect, and trustworthiness. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give some examples of how to keep a promise to God? Connect it to a specific biblical story or concept?