Note 7 at Mk. 6:26: This is a classic example of the folly of swearing or using oaths. Solomon warned against making vows (Eccl. 5:1-6) as did Jesus (Mt. 5:37--see ref. a at Mk. 6:23, p. 172). Herod would have been thought more highly of by God and probably also by his guests that were present if he would have simply humbled himself and admitted he was wrong in making such an oath. "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy" (Prov. 28:13).