Part of what it means to be faithful to God is to be faithful in our commitments to others. When we make a promise, we are making a commitment to someone else that we’ll do what we say we will. God hears every word and holds us accountable. It is our responsibility to keep our promises, no matter what the cost.
In the Bible, the Lord makes it clear that He is a God who keeps His word. He maintains His covenant with us, even when we are not faithful to Him. His love for us is never ending, and His promise of salvation endures forever.
We are called to be like God, and that means keeping our promises. When we break our word, it doesn’t only reflect poorly on our character but it also damages our integrity as a Christian. Staying true to our promises and vows shows that we can be trusted and that we are reliable people who follow the ways of the Lord.
These 10 bible verses all preach the same thing: when you utter a promise, stick to it.
Psalm 89:34 NIV
I will not violate my covenant
or alter what my lips have uttered.
Isaiah 55:11 NIV
So is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Matthew 5:33 NIV
Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, “Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.”
Numbers 30:2 NIV
When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said.
Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 NIV
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.
Proverbs 20:25 NIV
It is a trap to dedicate something rashly
and only later to consider one’s vows.
Ecclesiastes 5:2 NIV
Do not be quick with your mouth,
do not be hasty in your heart
to utter anything before God.
God is in heaven
and you are on earth,
so let your words be few.
Hebrews 10:23 NIV
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Isaiah 26:3 NIV
You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
Psalm 15:2-4 NIV
The one whose walk is blameless,
who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from their heart;
whose tongue utters no slander,
who does no wrong to a neighbor,
and casts no slur on others;
who despises a vile person
but honors those who fear the Lord;
who keeps an oath even when it hurts,
and does not change their mind.