Honesty and integrity matter to God, and the Bible emphasizes keeping our promises. Today, we’ll look at what Scripture says about keeping our word and why it builds trust with others.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About A Reprobate Mind
What Does The Bible Say About Keeping Your Word
Numbers 30:2
“If a man vows a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our promises and commitments. It teaches us that once we make a vow or pledge, we should honor it and follow through with our words.
Keeping our word reflects our integrity and trustworthiness. It shows that we are people of character, following the example of God who always keeps His promises.
Psalm 15:4
“…who swears to his own hurt and does not change;”
This verse highlights the virtue of keeping our promises, even when it becomes difficult or inconvenient. It encourages us to be people of our word, steadfast in our commitments regardless of the personal cost.
Keeping our promises, even when it brings us discomfort, demonstrates our sincerity and genuine care for others. It reflects the character of God, who remains faithful to His promises regardless of the circumstances.
Ecclesiastes 5:4-5
“When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay.”
These verses urge us to fulfill our vows and commitments promptly. They remind us that making promises to God or others is serious and should not be taken lightly.
Delaying or neglecting to fulfill our promises is displeasing to God. It is better to refrain from making a vow than to make one and fail to keep it. This passage encourages us to be people of integrity who promptly fulfill our obligations.
Proverbs 12:22
“Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.”
This verse emphasizes the detestable nature of lying and deceit. God abhors falsehood, but He delights in those who are honest and faithful in their words and actions.
Being truthful and keeping our word aligns us with the character of God, who is the source of truth. It is an act of righteousness that honors and pleases Him.
James 5:12
“But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your ‘yes’ be yes and your ‘no’ be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.”
This verse encourages simplicity and sincerity in our speech. It advises us to avoid unnecessary oaths or vows and to let our words be truthful and reliable.
By being people of integrity whose words can be trusted, we can avoid the condemnation that comes with being dishonest. Letting our “yes” be yes and our “no” be no fosters trust and builds strong relationships.
Proverbs 25:14
“Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.”
This verse warns against making empty promises or boasting about things we do not fulfill. It compares such behavior to clouds and wind that bring no rain, providing no substance or fulfillment.
Empty boasts erode trust and credibility. Instead, we should be humble and cautious with our words, ensuring that our actions align with our promises.
Matthew 5:37
“Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.”
These words from Jesus encourage straightforwardness and sincerity in our speech. They caution against making elaborate or manipulative statements that can lead to deception or wrongdoing.
By speaking with simplicity and honesty, we reflect the character of Christ and foster healthy communication and trust in our relationships.
Proverbs 6:19
“A false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.”
This verse condemns those who bear false witness and spread lies, causing division among people. It warns against the destructive power of deceit and the harm it brings to relationships.
As believers, we should strive to be agents of truth and unity, seeking to build bridges rather than sow discord. Honoring our words helps create an environment of trust and harmony.
Psalm 89:34
“I will not violate my covenant or alter the word that went forth from my lips.”
This verse reminds us of God’s faithfulness and commitment to His promises. He is unchanging and never breaks His covenant with His people, ensuring that His word remains true.
As we strive to keep our word, we can find comfort and inspiration in God’s unwavering faithfulness. His example encourages us to be trustworthy and steadfast in fulfilling our own commitments.
Colossians 3:9
“Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices.”
This verse instructs us to forsake falsehood and deception, as it no longer aligns with our new identity in Christ. As believers, we are called to be people of truth, eschewing deceitful practices.
By embracing honesty and rejecting lies, we reflect the transformation that has taken place within us through Christ. Our words should be marked by integrity and sincerity.
Proverbs 19:5
“A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape.”
This verse serves as a reminder that falsehood and deceit will ultimately be judged and punished. It exposes the futility of lying, as it leads to inevitable consequences.
Choosing to keep our word and speak the truth aligns us with the principles of justice and righteousness. It demonstrates our reverence for God’s truth and our desire to avoid the judgment that comes with falsehood.
Proverbs 11:3
“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of integrity as a guiding principle in our lives. It highlights how the choices we make regarding honesty and trustworthiness can either lead us towards a righteous path or bring our downfall.
Fulfilling our promises and keeping our word reflects our commitment to living uprightly. It safeguards our reputation and helps us build relationships based on trust.
Matthew 12:36-37
“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
These words of Jesus remind us of the weight and significance of our words. They caution us to use our speech responsibly and truthfully, as we will be held accountable for every careless word spoken.
Keeping our word and speaking with integrity contribute to our justification in Christ. Conversely, deceitful words can lead to condemnation. This passage challenges us to be mindful of our speech and the impact it has on our lives.
Proverbs 14:5
“A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness breathes out lies.”
This verse draws a clear distinction between a faithful witness and a false one. It underscores the importance of truthfulness and the detrimental effects of lying.
Being faithful in our words fosters trust and credibility. It allows us to bear witness to the truth of God’s love and faithfulness in our lives, bringing honor to His name.
Zechariah 8:16
“These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace.”
This verse offers practical guidance for living in truth and promoting peace. It instructs us to speak truthfully to one another and pursue justice in our interactions.
By embracing truthfulness and fairness, we contribute to creating a more peaceful and harmonious society. Our words and actions can be powerful agents of reconciliation and healing.
Proverbs 20:7
“The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his children after him!”
This verse highlights the impact of integrity on future generations. The righteous person who walks in honesty and keeps their word leaves a lasting legacy of blessing for their children.
Choosing to be people of integrity can have a positive ripple effect, influencing the lives of those around us and leaving a powerful example for generations to come.
Ephesians 4:25
“Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.”
This verse presents truthfulness and honesty as integral to our relationships within the body of Christ. It encourages us to let go of falsehood and speak truthfully to one another.
By embracing truthfulness, we foster unity and build authentic connections with our fellow believers. It reflects our shared identity as members of the same spiritual family.
John 8:44
“You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
This verse exposes the roots of deception and lies in the enemy, the devil. It reveals that the devil has no truth in him and therefore, speaks falsehood.
As followers of Christ, we are called to distance ourselves from the deceitful ways of the devil and align ourselves with the truth. Keeping our word contributes to the defeat of lies and the establishment of God’s truth.
Psalm 101:7
“No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who utters lies shall continue before my eyes.”
This verse portrays the moral standard set by God, where deceit and lies have no place. It emphasizes the Lord’s abhorrence of falsehood and His desire for truthfulness in His dwelling place.
As God’s children and bearers of His image, we should strive to reflect His character by keeping our word and being people of truth. Honesty and integrity pave the way for God’s presence in our lives.
Proverbs 21:28
“A false witness will perish, but the word of a man who hears will endure.”
This verse underscores the fleeting nature of lies and falsehood. It warns that those who bear false witness will face destruction while highlighting the lasting impact of truth.
Speaking the truth and keeping our word aligns us with what is enduring and eternal. By being people of truth, our words can bring life and stability to those who hear them.
Titus 1:2
“…in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began.”
This verse reaffirms the unchanging nature of God’s promises and His absolute trustworthiness. It assures us of the hope of eternal life that God, who cannot lie, has promised us.
As believers, we can draw strength and assurance from the fact that our faith is grounded in the unwavering truthfulness of God. Keeping our word is a reflection of His character and faithfulness.
1 Peter 3:10-11
“For whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.”
These verses present a practical guide for living a righteous and fulfilling life. They encourage us to abstain from evil and deceitful speech, instead pursuing peace and righteousness.
By keeping our word and speaking truthfully, we contribute to a life characterized by goodness, harmony, and blessings. Our words can become instruments of love and grace in the lives of others.