Why is it important to honor agreements, as seen in Genesis 23:16? A look at Genesis 23:16 “Abraham agreed to Ephron’s terms and weighed out for him the price he had named before the Hittites: four hundred shekels of silver, according to the standard of the merchants.” Why Abraham’s actions matter • Abraham had already been offered the field as a gift (v. 11), yet he insisted on paying the full, publicly agreed price. • By honoring the agreement exactly as stated, he demonstrated integrity before God and man, protecting his witness and safeguarding the promised inheritance for his descendants. Biblical reasons for honoring agreements • It reflects God’s own unchanging faithfulness. – “God is not a man, that He should lie… Has He said, and will He not do it?” (Numbers 23:19). • It upholds righteousness in daily life. – “O LORD, who may dwell in Your tent? … he who keeps his oath, even when it hurts.” (Psalm 15:1, 4). • It guards us from sinning with our words. – “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ ” (Matthew 5:37). – “Above all, my brothers, do not swear … so that you will not fall under judgment.” (James 5:12). • It acknowledges that vows are made before the Lord, not merely before people. – “When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow.” (Ecclesiastes 5:4). Practical fruit of keeping our word • Credibility—others can trust what we say without hesitation. • Peace of conscience—no lingering guilt or fear of exposure. • Community stability—families, churches, and businesses flourish when promises are reliable. • Gospel witness—our integrity points unbelievers to the trustworthy Savior we proclaim. Living it out • Count the cost before you commit. Abraham assessed the price and paid in full; we, too, should promise only what we can deliver. • Put agreements in clear, accountable form—spoken plainly, written carefully, witnessed if needed. • Follow through promptly; delay can erode both trust and testimony. • Remember that every promise, contract, or handshake is ultimately made before the Lord, whose name we bear. |
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