Promises are meant to build trust, but empty promises can leave us hurt and disappointed. The Bible teaches us the value of keeping our word and avoiding false assurances. Today, we’ll look at what God says about truth and faithfulness.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Empty
What Does The Bible Say About Empty Promises
Proverbs 14:23
“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of taking action and putting in effort, rather than relying solely on empty promises. Talk without action is fruitless and can lead to a lack of prosperity.
Hard work is rewarded and yields profits, while empty promises leave one in poverty. It serves as a reminder to be discerning and cautious when encountering empty promises, and to focus on productive and meaningful work.
Matthew 7:21
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
This verse warns against the danger of empty words and professing faith without genuine actions. Mere verbal acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord is not enough for salvation; true discipleship involves obedience and fulfilling the will of God.
Empty promises or shallow declarations of faith will not grant entry into the kingdom of heaven. It reminds believers to live out their faith through righteous actions, rather than relying solely on empty words.
Proverbs 20:6
“Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?”
This verse highlights the rarity of finding someone who truly embodies unfailing love and loyalty. It acknowledges that many may make empty claims of love, but it is challenging to find someone who consistently demonstrates faithfulness.
Empty promises of love are abundant, but finding someone who remains steadfast and unwavering in their love and loyalty is a precious gift. It encourages us to value and appreciate those who genuinely demonstrate unfailing love.
James 1:26
“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”
This verse cautions against hypocrisy and empty religiosity. Mere outward displays of religious devotion, without self-control over our words and actions, are deceptive and render our religious practices meaningless.
Hollow promises and empty words go against the essence of true religion, which is to love God and love others. It reminds us to align our behaviors and speech with our professed faith, ensuring that our actions reflect genuine commitment.
Proverbs 25:14
“Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of gifts never given.”
This verse likens a person who boasts of unfulfilled promises to clouds and wind without rain. Just as clouds and wind bring expectation of refreshing rain, empty boasting raises expectations that are never met.
Empty promises of gifts or favors, which are never delivered, disappoint and deceive others. It serves as a reminder to be cautious of making empty boasts and to value integrity in keeping our promises.
1 Timothy 1:19
“Holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.”
This verse speaks of the destructive consequences of rejecting faith and disregarding a good conscience. When one abandons true faith and ignores their moral compass, their spiritual life can be compared to a shipwreck.
Empty promises and deceitful actions are often a result of forsaking genuine faith and choosing to go down a path of moral compromise. It reminds believers to hold fast to their faith and maintain a good conscience.
Proverbs 16:25
“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end, it leads to death.”
This verse warns against following paths that seem right but ultimately lead to destruction. Promises and actions that may appear appealing or promising on the surface can have detrimental consequences in the long run.
Empty promises can lead us astray, causing harm and leading us away from God’s intended plan for our lives. It urges us to seek wisdom and discernment to avoid being deceived by empty appearances.
Matthew 5:34
“But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne;”
In this verse, Jesus teaches against the act of making empty oaths and swearing by external entities such as heaven. Empty promises made under such oaths lack authenticity and sincerity.
Instead, Jesus calls for honesty and integrity in our speech, instructing us to let our yes be yes and our no be no. It reminds us to speak truthfully and avoid the need for empty promises or unnecessary oaths.
Ezekiel 33:31
“My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to hear your words, but they do not put them into practice. Their mouths speak of love, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain.”
This verse reveals the hypocrisy of empty words and insincere actions, as demonstrated by the people addressed by the prophet Ezekiel. They would come to listen to God’s words but failed to put them into practice.
Verbal professions of love and devotion, while harboring selfish and greedy hearts, invalidate the genuineness of one’s faith. It reminds us to align our actions with our words and to guard against hypocrisy.
Mark 12:38-40
“As he taught, Jesus said, ‘Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.’
In this passage, Jesus condemns the religious leaders who put on a facade of piety but engage in empty acts for personal gain. They seek recognition and privileges while exploiting the vulnerable.
Empty prayers and outward displays of religious devotion, without genuine care for others, are condemned by Jesus. It serves as a cautionary reminder to examine our motives and intentions behind our religious practices.
Proverbs 17:7
“Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool— how much worse lying lips to a ruler!”
This verse highlights the incongruity of eloquent speech coming from a godless individual. Empty and deceitful words are even more unacceptable when spoken by those in positions of authority and leadership.
Empty promises and lies erode trust and credibility, especially when spoken by those entrusted with the well-being of others. It prompts us to value integrity and truthfulness in our speech and actions.
Jeremiah 6:14
“They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace.”
This verse exposes the danger of empty words that provide false assurances. Those who minimize or trivialize the seriousness of a situation, proclaiming peace where there is none, deceive and mislead.
Empty promises of peace, without addressing underlying issues, contribute to further harm and injustice. It urges us to seek genuine solutions and avoid empty reassurances that disregard reality.
Ecclesiastes 5:4-5
“When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of honoring commitments and promises made to God. Making empty vows or promises and failing to fulfill them is considered foolish and displeasing to God.
Empty words and broken promises are a reflection of lack of integrity and disregard for one’s own word. It reminds us to think carefully before making commitments and to follow through with them faithfully.
Isaiah 29:13
“The Lord says: ‘These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.'”
This verse exposes the hollowness of worship and devotion that is based on empty rules and rituals, devoid of genuine heart connection with God. Outward expressions of faith without true devotion are empty and insincere.
Empty promises of devotion and worship that lack a true connection with God are revealed as superficial and meaningless. It calls for a genuine and heartfelt relationship with God that transcends mere external observances.
Colossians 2:8
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”
This verse warns against being deceived by empty and misleading philosophies that rely on human traditions and worldly spiritual ideas. Embracing such empty beliefs can lead us away from a genuine relationship with Christ.
Empty promises of fulfillment and truth that are based on worldly wisdom rather than Christ’s teachings can captivate and mislead. It encourages believers to remain rooted in Christ and His truth, guarding against empty philosophies.
Matthew 23:27-28
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.”
Jesus rebukes the religious leaders for their outward piety while harboring impurity and hypocrisy in their hearts. They project a false image of righteousness while lacking integrity and genuine faith.
This verse exposes the emptiness of empty promises and false appearances. It reminds us to strive for authenticity in our faith, ensuring our inner thoughts and motives align with our outward actions.
Titus 1:16
“They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.”
This verse reveals the emptiness of claiming to know God while living in a manner that opposes His will. Empty professions of faith, devoid of obedience and righteous actions, are considered detestable and unfit.
Empty promises of knowing God without a transformed life contradict the essence of genuine faith. It calls us to align our actions with our faith, ensuring that our lives reflect the love and obedience to God.
Proverbs 10:19
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”
This verse speaks to the futility of empty words and excessive talk that fails to address sin. Empty promises and excuses cannot undo or make amends for wrong actions; instead, wisdom lies in holding one’s tongue.
Actions speak louder than words, and empty promises do not rectify wrongdoings. It urges us to practice wisdom by reflecting on our actions and restraining from empty words.
Jeremiah 9:6
“You live in the midst of deception; in their deceit, they refuse to acknowledge me,” declares the Lord.”
This verse highlights the prevalence of deception and refusal to acknowledge God’s truth. Empty promises and deceitful actions demonstrate a rejection of God’s presence and authority.
Living amidst deceit and empty promises keeps one from truly knowing and acknowledging God. It reminds us to seek truth and remain faithful to God, resisting the allure of deception.
2 Peter 2:18-19
“For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of the flesh, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for ‘people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.'”
This passage exposes the manipulation of empty promises and enticing words that exploit human desires. Individuals who make empty promises and offer false freedom can themselves be enslaved by their own sinful tendencies.
Empty words and deceptive promises that exploit others’ vulnerabilities lead to bondage rather than true freedom. It encourages believers to be wary of empty promises that cater to sinful desires.
Proverbs 12:22
“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
This verse underscores God’s abhorrence for empty and deceitful speech. Empty promises and lies go against the character of God, while honesty and trustworthiness align with His nature.
Integrity and trustworthiness are highly valued by God, while empty promises and falsehoods are detested. It reminds us to embrace truthfulness and sincerity in all our interactions.
Titus 3:8
“This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of faithful actions and devotion to doing good. Empty promises are contrasted with trustworthy and reliable actions that reflect a genuine commitment to God.
Empty words hold no value, while fulfilling our trust in God through righteous actions is commendable and beneficial for all. It compels believers to prioritize actions over empty assurances.
Matthew 23:3
“So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.”
Jesus warns about the emptiness of empty words and admonishes His followers to discern between true teachings and hypocritical actions. Empty promises and hypocritical behaviors contradict genuine faith.
Empty words devoid of corresponding actions reveal a lack of authenticity and undermine credibility. It encourages believers to seek consistency between words and actions.
Proverbs 12:17
“An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies.”
This verse draws a clear distinction between honest and false witnesses. Empty promises bear false witness as they fail to deliver what is pledged, while honesty values truthfulness and integrity.
An honest and trustworthy witness upholds truth, while a false witness propagates deceit. It reminds us to prioritize honesty and integrity in all aspects of our lives.