What other Scriptures emphasize the importance of keeping promises to God and others? The Broken Covenant in Jeremiah 34:17 “Therefore this is what the LORD says: You have not obeyed Me by proclaiming freedom, each for his brother and for his neighbor. So now I proclaim ‘freedom’ for you—this is the LORD’s declaration—‘to the sword, to plague, and to famine; and I will make you a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth.’” (Jeremiah 34:17) The king and leaders had promised release to their slaves, then reversed course. God treats that reversal as open rebellion—clear proof that keeping promises matters deeply to Him. Old-Testament Commands about Vows • Numbers 30:2 — “When a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath… he must not break his word but must do everything he has promised.” • Deuteronomy 23:21-23 — “If you make a vow to the LORD your God, you must not delay in paying it… Be careful to do what has passed your lips.” • Leviticus 19:12 — “You must not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God.” • Proverbs 20:25 — “It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to reconsider his vows.” • Malachi 1:14 — “Cursed is the deceiver who… vows and sacrifices a blemished animal to the LORD; for I am a great King, says the LORD of Hosts.” Key takeaway: God links promise-keeping with His own honor. Breaking a vow drags His name through the mud. Wisdom Literature on Integrity • Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 — “Fulfill your vow… It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not fulfill it.” • Psalm 15:4 — “[The righteous] does what he promises even when it hurts and does not change.” • Psalm 50:14 — “Fulfill your vows to the Most High.” • Psalm 116:14 — “I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people.” These passages move the discussion from formal oaths to everyday faithfulness—doing what you said you would do, even if it costs you. Historical Snapshots of Kept and Broken Oaths • Joshua 9 & 2 Samuel 21 — Israel honors its rash treaty with Gibeon centuries later, showing God still expects the nation to keep its word. • 1 Samuel 1 — Hannah vows to dedicate Samuel and follows through. Blessing follows obedience. Jesus Raises the Standard Matthew 5:33-37 — “Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not break your oath’… But I tell you not to swear at all… Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ Anything more comes from the evil one.” Christ moves integrity from the courtroom to the heart: disciples should be so truthful that oaths become unnecessary. The Apostles Echo the Call • James 5:12 — “Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth… Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No,’ so that you will not fall under judgment.” • Ephesians 4:25 — “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor.” • Colossians 3:9 — “Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self.” Promise-keeping is presented as a mark of the new life in Christ. Living It Out • Speak cautiously; vow rarely. • When you do give your word—follow through, even when circumstances shift. • Acknowledge broken promises quickly; repent and make restitution where possible. • Teach children and younger believers that integrity is non-negotiable. • Remember: every kept promise reflects God’s unbreakable faithfulness; every broken one misrepresents Him. Scripture speaks with one voice: God takes promises seriously, and so must we. |
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