Breaking promises is a significant moral and spiritual issue addressed throughout the Bible. The act of making and keeping promises is deeply rooted in the character of God, who is depicted as faithful and true to His word. In contrast, the failure to keep promises is often associated with sin, unfaithfulness, and a lack of integrity.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible emphasizes the importance of keeping one's word. In Numbers 30:2 , it is written, "If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised." This verse underscores the seriousness with which vows and promises are to be regarded, especially those made to God.

In the New Testament, Jesus teaches about the integrity of one's word in Matthew 5:37 : "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' Anything more comes from the evil one." This instruction highlights the expectation that believers should be truthful and reliable without the need for elaborate oaths.

Consequences of Breaking Promises

The Bible provides numerous examples of the negative consequences of breaking promises. One notable instance is found in the account of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11. They promised to give the proceeds from the sale of their property to the early church but withheld part of the money. Their deceit led to their sudden deaths, serving as a stark warning about the seriousness of breaking promises, especially those made to God.

In the Old Testament, the Israelites frequently broke their covenant with God, leading to dire consequences. Judges 2:1-3 recounts how the angel of the LORD rebuked Israel for not keeping their covenant, resulting in their oppression by surrounding nations.

God's Faithfulness as a Model

God's unwavering faithfulness serves as the ultimate model for believers. In Deuteronomy 7:9 , it is declared, "Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments." God's faithfulness is a central theme throughout Scripture, and believers are called to emulate this attribute in their own lives.

Practical Implications

For Christians, breaking promises can damage relationships, erode trust, and harm one's witness to others. Ephesians 4:25 instructs, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another." This verse emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity within the Christian community.

Furthermore, James 5:12 advises, "Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No,' so that you will not fall under judgment." This echoes Jesus' teaching and reinforces the call to straightforward and honest communication.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not explicitly use the term "breaking promises," the concept is woven throughout its teachings on truthfulness, integrity, and faithfulness. Believers are encouraged to reflect God's character by being people of their word, understanding the gravity of their commitments, and striving to live in a manner that honors God and builds trust within their communities.Matthew 5:37
But let your communication be, Yes, yes; No, no: for whatever is more than these comes of evil.
Topicalbible.org

James 5:12
But above all things, my brothers, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yes be yes; and your no, no; lest you fall into condemnation.
Topicalbible.org

Matthew 5:33-37
Again, you have heard that it has been said by them of old time, You shall not forswear yourself, but shall perform to the Lord your oaths:
Topicalbible.org

Numbers 30:2
If a man vow a vow to the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.
Topicalbible.org

Leviticus 19:12
And you shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shall you profane the name of your God: I am the LORD.
Topicalbible.org

Thirteenth Day. Holiness and Humility.
... promise comes out clearly when we connect it with the other promises of New ... It is
this brokenness, and continued breaking down, that is expressed by the word ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/thirteenth day holiness and humility.htm

"He is the Rock, his Work is Perfect. For all his Ways are ...
... receive his promises, or else, believing his threatenings we question his promises. ...
that believes shall be saved," notwithstanding of all his breaking of the ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon iii he is the.htm

Repentance
... (3) The breaking off sin must be perpetual, so as never to have to do with sin any
more. ... Pardon settles upon us the richer charter of the promises. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/4 2 repentance.htm

The Servant's Triumph
... sin. But certainly we are not to blame Him or to think of Him as breaking
His promises, or departing from His nature. No principles ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the servants triumph.htm

Good Days
... Paul says) died in faith NOT having received the promises. ... Jews found it"whenever
they went wrong and sinned against God"because we are breaking its laws ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xix good days.htm

'Impossible, --Only I Saw It'
... Such faith as he had was strained to the breaking point, and his messenger was sent
to tell the prophet that the ... Man's promises are vague; God's are specific. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/impossibleonly i saw it.htm

A Penitent Heart, the Best New Year's Gift
... again with power, he is carried away with the lust; and thus he goes on promising
and resolving, and in breaking both his resolutions and his promises, as fast ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/a penitent heart the best.htm

The Walk to Emmaus. Ch. 24:13-35
... in the way, and how he was known of them in the breaking of the bread ... They had little
expectation that the Lord would fulfill his own promises; the third day of ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/l the walk to emmaus.htm

The Waters of Meribah
... Are we not sometimes tempted to bitter comparisons of the fair promises with the ...
Tabernacle, as if crushed and helpless in face of this heart-breaking proof of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the waters of meribah.htm

Dark Times
... 'And Jacob was left alone: and there wrestled a man with him till the breaking of
the day. ... Plead God's promises, confess the mercies we have received already. ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxviii dark times.htm

What is the difference between a covenant and a contract? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that the letter kills, but the spirit gives life (2 Corinthians 3:6)? | GotQuestions.org

What is the flesh? | GotQuestions.org

Breaking: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus