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Keep in mind that ancient vows could be both positive and negative. They may be to motivate us to perform in some way (positively) or to abstain from certain things (negatively). A great example of a vow would be the Nazirite vow which was taken by Samson. The reason Scripture issues a warning to anyone who would take a vow is because they are made before a righteous and holy God. Whatever kind of vow is made in His name must be fulfilled because it is binding.
In the NT, Jesus addresses this OT practice of taking vows.
“You have also heard that people were told in the past, ‘Do not break your promise, but do what you have vowed to the Lord to do.’ 34 But now I tell you: do not use any vow when you make a promise. Do not swear by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 nor by earth, for it is the resting place for his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 Do not even swear by your head, because you cannot make a single hair white or black. 37 Just say ‘Yes’ or ‘No’—anything else you say comes from the Evil One.
Matthew 5:33-37 GNB
As Jesus always did, He is raising the bar for this teaching. Jesus warns against taking a vow… but why? Essentially, He is highlighting the fact that if you have to take a vow to follow through with something, then your common speech probably can’t be trusted. Jesus is encouraging us to be honest in ALL situations. Tell the truth and follow through when you make a vow, of course. But you should also follow through when answering someone with yes or no as well, right?
So, in the end, this teaching really does raise the bar with our daily conduct. Christians should set the standard for honesty with their behavior. There is nothing wrong with taking vows, but it should not be an incentive to “do the right thing.” Jesus invites us to always make good on our word.