My friend Jon was wondering what one does if he has signed a pledge card to give to a church building or other financial commitment and then realizes that he has made a promise that he can not fulfill or believes it was in error.
Proverbs gives the steps to gain relief.
My son, if you have become surety (a cosigner) for your neighbor, Have given a pledge for a stranger, If you have been snared with the words of your mouth, Have been caught with the words of your mouth, Do this then, my son, and deliver yourself; Since you have come into the hand of your neighbor, Go, humble yourself, and importune your neighbor. Do not give sleep to your eyes, Nor slumber to your eyelids; Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hunter's hand, And like a bird from the hand of the fowler. Proverbs 6: 1-5
The writer of the Proverbs breaks down several ways we make promises:
1) becoming a cosigner for your neighbor (or companion).
2) given a pledge for a stranger.
3) trapped by the words of your mouth (making a promise).
4) captured by the words of your mouth saying you can or will do something you may not be able to do).
The way out, to deliver ones self:
1) go.
2) humble yourself.
3) importune your neighbor (a strong word meaning to beg even to the point of being arrogant).
4) don't sleep until you have accomplished what you are seeking.
5) deliver yourself like an animal fleeing the hunter.
