Broken Public Vows and the Heavens That Withhold Rain

Midrash Mishlei 25:2

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"Clouds and wind but no rain - so is the man who boasts of a gift falsely" (Proverbs 25:14). Rabbi Levi said: For the sin of those who make vows in public and do not fulfill them, the heavens are restrained from sending down dew and rain. "A man who boasts of a gift falsely" - the Holy One, blessed be He, said: It is better for a person not to vow than to vow and not pay, as is made explicit by Solomon: "It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay" (Ecclesiastes 5:4).

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