Definition and Distinction:
Oaths and vows are solemn promises or commitments made before God or others, often invoking divine witness. While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, a distinction can be made: an oath typically involves a promise to others, often invoking God's name as a witness, whereas a vow is a personal pledge made directly to God.

Biblical Foundation:
The practice of making oaths and vows is deeply rooted in biblical tradition. In the Old Testament, oaths were often used to confirm agreements or promises. For example, Abraham made his servant swear an oath regarding finding a wife for Isaac (Genesis 24:3). Vows, on the other hand, were personal commitments made to God, such as Hannah's vow to dedicate her son Samuel to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:11).

Regulations and Warnings:
The Bible provides specific guidelines and warnings regarding oaths and vows. In the Mosaic Law, the Israelites were instructed to fulfill their vows to the Lord: "When a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised" (Numbers 30:2). This underscores the seriousness with which such commitments were to be taken.

The Third Commandment also highlights the gravity of invoking God's name in oaths: "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain" (Exodus 20:7). This commandment implies that oaths should not be made lightly or deceitfully.

New Testament Perspective:
In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of oaths in the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing integrity and truthfulness: "But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King" (Matthew 5:34-35). Jesus encourages His followers to let their "Yes" be "Yes," and their "No," "No," suggesting that a simple affirmation or denial should suffice without the need for additional oaths (Matthew 5:37).

James reiterates this teaching, advising believers: "Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No,' so that you will not fall under judgment" (James 5:12).

Examples and Consequences:
The Bible contains numerous examples of oaths and vows, both fulfilled and broken. Jephthah's vow, which led to the tragic sacrifice of his daughter, serves as a cautionary tale about making rash vows (Judges 11:30-39). Conversely, the Apostle Paul's use of oaths in his letters demonstrates their continued relevance in affirming truth (2 Corinthians 1:23).

Theological Implications:
Oaths and vows reflect the biblical emphasis on truthfulness, integrity, and accountability before God. They serve as a reminder of the believer's responsibility to uphold commitments and the importance of aligning one's words with God's truth. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles encourage a life of honesty and integrity, where one's word is trustworthy without the need for additional affirmations.