LEV1152 Keep the laws of vows of monetary worth. Key concepts: The unique aspect of the human species is the ability to speak. The power of speech is the one part of a human being that works in partnership with the higher worlds, for every other part of us dies. Therefore, if a man sullies this unique aspect of his being, his entire body, in effect, dies. It becomes like a vessel that no one wants. Accordingly, the Torah commands to uphold our words and fulfill whatever we say, especially our promises that involve matters of holiness—e.g. vows to give charity or to bring offerings, or pledges to donate objects or value to the Beis HaMikdash. Regarding all of their verbal promises that we might make in daily life, although in the Torah there is no specific positive or negative command about fulfilling the promises, our Sages command and warn us repeatedly to keep our word.