breaking promises
What does the Bible say about breaking promises? These are the passages readers found most helpful — tap any citation to read it in context.
13 passages · most helpful first
2And he said to the leaders of the tribes of the sons of Israel: “This is the word, which the Lord has instructed:
12But before all things, my brothers, do not choose to swear, neither by heaven, nor by the earth, nor in any other oath. But let your word ‘Yes’ be yes, and your word ‘No’ be no, so that you may not fall under judgment.
5A false witness shall not go unpunished. And whoever speaks lies will not escape.
4And it is much better not to make a vow, than, after a vow, not to fulfill what was promised. 5You should not use your mouth so as to cause your flesh to sin. And you should not say, in the sight of an Angel, “There is no Providence.” For God, being angry at your words, may scatter all the works of your hands.
35And I will not profane my covenant, and I will not make void that which proceeds from my lips.
14A man who boasts and does not fulfill his promises is like clouds and wind, when rain does not follow.
37But let your word ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ For anything beyond that is of evil.
5You should not use your mouth so as to cause your flesh to sin. And you should not say, in the sight of an Angel, “There is no Providence.” For God, being angry at your words, may scatter all the works of your hands.
33Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients: ‘You shall not swear falsely. For you shall repay your oaths to the Lord.’ 34But I say to you, do not swear an oath at all, neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35nor by earth, for it is his footstool, nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great king. 36Neither shall you swear an oath by your own head, because you are not able to cause one hair to become white or black. 37But let your word ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ For anything beyond that is of evil.
19God is not like a man, so that he would lie, nor is he like a son of man, so that he would be changed. Therefore, having spoken, will he not act? Has he ever spoken, and not fulfilled?
9The Lord is not delaying his promise, as some imagine, but he does act patiently for your sake, not wanting anyone to perish, but wanting all to be turned back to penance.
16For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that all who believe in him may not perish, but may have eternal life.
23But if you do not do what you have said, no one could doubt that you will have sinned against God. And know this: your sin shall overtake you.