Are you a bearer of unfilled promises?
TODAY’S PROVERB: Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts about a gift not given. Proverbs 25:14
We’ve all encountered these souls — perhaps we’ve been guilty of this ourselves — the bearers of unfulfilled promises.
Generally, it begins with an intent to be or appear to be generous. A desire to be or look like a provider of blessings to others. But, for whatever reason the person doesn’t follow through.
Making promises and commitments is like making an oath. It shouldn’t be done on a whim, out of emotions, sentiment, or to manipulate. Whether our intent is well meaning or not, boasting about a promise we have no assurances we can fulfill can ruin our credibility. Perhaps ruin even more.
In Matthew 5:33-37. Jesus warns us to not swear an oath falsely to the Lord. This warning carries His edict that when we do so we’re being influenced by the evil one. Yikes! It seems our Heavenly Father doesn’t need a dramatic promise, He merely wants us to have integrity. I’m thinking this also applies to one another, don’t you?
“Again, you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall carry out your oaths to Adonai.’ But I tell you, do not swear at all—not by heaven, for it is the throne of God; or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. But let your word ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’—anything more than this is from the evil one.”
Our word should means what it means — which is why our words should be few and thoughtful. An area I certainly can work to improve.
We can hope to fulfill our intent. Maybe that’s all we should commit to — our promise to do the best we can. It’s not as dramatic or romantic or attention-getting, but when we keep our promise, that’s a good thing.
May our promises be thoughtful and kept, my friends.
Proverbs 25:14 Tree of Life Bible Society, Tree of Life Version – TLV #tlvbible #tlvproverbs
[WATCH Tree of Life Bible Society’s CEO, Daniah Greenberg and me, Terri Gillespie, Author dig a little deeper with this proverb. Check us out at Tree of Life Bible Society, Monday through Friday, LIVE at 8:30am EST. Watch previous episodes there as well. Stay wise, my friends!]
