The Zohar tells us that a Neder - the Hebrew word for a vow - means "dwelling place." Therefore, the esoteric connotation of the phrase "Neder l'HaShem," i.e., a vow to G-d, is "HaShem is the dwelling place of the world."
Meaning, the real dwelling place of the soul is in the Presence of HaShem. Accordingly, a person who fulfills his vows believes that his soul will ultimately live in "the dwelling place of HaShem."
The Zohar reveals the dynamics of our inner thoughts. Amazingly, the belief that our soul will eventually dwell in the holy presence of HaShem begets our sense of integrity!
Our belief system impacts our ethical behavior. A person, who believes that HaShem created the world, intuitively understands that HaShem created the soul in order for the soul to rejoice forever in Splendor of the Divine Presence. Therefore, he lives his life with high moral standards in anticipation of His ultimate union with HaShem.
Conversely, a person who does not fulfill his verbal commitments lacks the clarity of knowing the soul's true dwelling place. Since he does not have much consciousness of his soul's true purpose, he has little motivation to prepare himself for the true and eternal dwelling place of the soul.
May we heighten the awareness that our soul's journey carries us to bask in the holy light of the Living King. The more we internalize this truth, the more we will grow in honesty, integrity, and faithfulness.
(Based on commentary of Rabenu Bachaya, Bamidbar 30)
