Don’t do that. Deuteronomy 23:21. “When thou shalt vow a vow unto the Lord thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the Lord thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.” God sees what I cannot see. Hidden things, hidden reasons – unknown to me – are behind each door. With every garment I wear, every word I speak, and even my secret thoughts, God knows them all. He understands the intents of my heart and the pathways of my mind, and when I stray from His will and ignore Him, He makes it clear in one way or another, “Don’t do that!”
God understands the dangers from outside nations and from cultures that differ from the truth inside us. He observes through days, weeks, months, years, and centuries—and knows the outcome. The results of sacrificing integrity for friendship, acceptance, or peace through compromise are so harmful that we must remind ourselves, “Don’t do that!”
Unqualified acceptance feels nice; it makes you everyone’s friend. But wait – God’s house is a sacred place. “Holiness becometh Thy house.” A holy people cannot accept ungodliness in any way, shape, or form. Some things are still an abomination even if most people and the law say, “Okay.” “Don’t do that!”
Profits are not meant to be made at someone else's expense, especially when they are in real need. You can earn good money from their misfortune. This is when you can generate a lot of interest on loans you give. There is plenty of exorbitant interest to be taken. Everyone else is doing it, so why shouldn’t you? “That’s just good business,” they say – but wait. He is your brother, and he has a need, so when it comes to charging interest – “Don’t do it!”
Vows are made in front of people and God, and promises must be kept. You will give a certain amount to God, so make sure you give what you promise. If you say you will give your time to God, be sure you do—completely. If you say you will give yourself to God, be sure you follow through—otherwise, “Don’t do it!”
You see a way to help your brother meet his needs. All you need to do is leave the corners unharvested. Thank God some people have big corners. A neighbor offers you something; don’t take advantage of his generosity. When someone offers you help, let him know you’re thankful for what he’s willing to do. When the opportunity to take more than agreed arises, “Don’t do it!”