Don't Make a Promise You Can't Keep

"The Lord hates those who don't keep their word, but he delights in those who do." Proverbs 12:22

Now days, your word means very little. Even a signed contract can be broken. In Bible times, someones word was solid. It held firm.

Our words have become futile, fickle, and ever changing. We make rash promises to God and to people.

Ecclesiastes 5:1-6-"As you enter the house of God, keep your eyes open ad your mouth shut! Don't be a fool who doesn't realize that mindless offerings to God are evil. And don't make rash promises to God, for he is in heaven, and you are only here on earth. So let your words be few. Just as being too busy gives you nightmares, being a fool makes you a blabbermouth. So when you make a promise to God, don't delay in following through, for God takes no pleasure in fools. Keep all the promises you make to him. It is better to say nothing than to promise something that you don't follow through on. In such cases, your mouth is making you sin. And don't defend yourself by telling the Temple messenger that the promise you made was a mistake. That would make God angry, and he might wipe out everything you have achieved."

So often we make promises to each other that we either never intend to keep or can't keep. If you give your word, be sure you commit to keeping it. If you know you can't, it's better to be honest and tell them, than to break it.

Jesus help us be mindful of how we approach You, and the vows and promises we make. May we never make rash promises that we never intend to keep. In times of suffering, sorrow, fear and frustration, may we remain silent and listen for Your voice. Amen