keeping promises
What does the Bible say about keeping promises? These are the passages readers found most helpful — tap any citation to read it in context.
14 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:
35And I will not profane my covenant, and I will not make void that which proceeds from my lips.
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.
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.
37But let your word ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ For anything beyond that is of evil.
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.
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?
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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.
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.’
14Lo, today I am entering the way of the entire earth, and you shall know with all your mind that, out of all the words that the Lord has promised to fulfill for you, not one will pass by unfulfilled.
23Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope, without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful.
20For whatever promises are of God are, in him, Yes. For this reason, too, through him: Amen to God for our glory.
21When you have made a vow to the Lord your God, you shall not be late in paying it. For the Lord your God demands it. And if you delay, it shall be imputed to you as a sin. 22If you are not willing to make a promise, then it shall be without sin. 23But as soon as it has departed from your lips, you shall observe and do just as you have promised to the Lord your God and just as you have spoken by your own free will and with your own mouth.