The Bible places great importance on the making and keeping of promises. It views promises as sacred commitments, reflecting God’s own faithfulness to His word. The Bible is filled with examples of God’s promises to humanity and His consistent fulfillment of them, demonstrating His reliability and trustworthiness. For humans, the Bible advises to be cautious in making promises, emphasizing that breaking a promise is a serious matter. It encourages honesty and integrity, teaching that one’s word should be reliable. In essence, promises are seen as a reflection of one’s character and relationship with God, highlighting the value of truthfulness and the importance of fulfilling one’s commitments.
Want to know what the Bible says about promises? It’s a mix of divine assurance and human responsibility. Discover the biblical perspective on making, keeping, and trusting in promises.
What Does the Bible Say About Promises?
Promises are a big deal in the Bible. They’re not just words; they’re commitments.
At the heart of it, the Bible shows us a God who is a promise-keeper. He makes covenants with His people and sticks to them. These promises range from personal assurances to grand plans of salvation. Every fulfilled promise in the Bible is a testament to God’s faithfulness and trustworthiness.
Now, when it comes to people making promises, the Bible is clear: think before you speak. It teaches that making a promise is like making a vow—it’s binding. You’re not just saying words; you’re making a commitment.
Jesus talked about this. He said, let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ It’s about being honest and straightforward. The New Testament warns against making vows lightly, suggesting that it’s better not to vow than to vow and not fulfill it.
The Bible also touches on broken promises. They’re not just disappointments; they’re seen as moral failures. Breaking a promise is like breaking faith—it can damage relationships and trust.
God’s view? He values integrity. Keeping your word is a reflection of your character. It’s about being someone others can trust, just as we trust God to keep His promises.
Promises, according to the Bible, are more than social niceties. They are moral obligations. They reflect our integrity and our faith. So, when we make promises, the Bible urges us to do so with intention and commitment, mirroring the faithfulness of God in our own relationships.
Bible Verses About Promises
- Numbers 23:19 – “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” This verse highlights God’s unchanging nature and His commitment to fulfilling His promises.
- Matthew 5:37 – “All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” Jesus’ teaching emphasizes simplicity and honesty in our commitments.
- 2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” This reflects God’s faithfulness and His desire for salvation for all.
- Ecclesiastes 5:5 – “It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.” This Old Testament wisdom advises caution in making vows or promises.
- Joshua 21:45 – “Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.” This historical reflection in Joshua confirms the reliability of God’s promises.
- 2 Corinthians 1:20 – “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.” Paul speaks about the fulfillment of God’s promises through Jesus Christ.
- Proverbs 10:9 – “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” This proverb emphasizes the security that comes from living a life of integrity, including keeping one’s promises.
- Hebrews 10:23 – “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” This verse in Hebrews encourages believers to trust in God’s faithfulness to His promises.
- Deuteronomy 23:21-23 – “If you make a vow to the Lord your God, do not be slow to pay it, for the Lord your God will certainly demand it of you and you will be guilty of sin.” This law from Deuteronomy underlines the seriousness of fulfilling vows made to God.
- Psalm 89:34 – “I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered.” This psalm reflects God’s commitment to His covenant and promises, serving as a model for human faithfulness in promises.
- Psalm 145:13 – “The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.” This verse underscores the faithfulness and love of God in keeping His promises, reinforcing the idea that God’s promises are a reflection of His character.
- James 1:12 – “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” This highlights the promise of reward for those who remain steadfast in their faith and love for God.
- Philippians 4:19 – “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Paul assures believers of God’s promise to provide for their needs, illustrating the trustworthiness of God’s promises.
- Romans 4:21 – “Being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” This refers to Abraham’s faith in God’s promise, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God’s ability to fulfill His promises.
- 2 Timothy 1:12 – “I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.” Paul expresses his confidence in God’s promise to safeguard what has been entrusted to Him.
- Hebrews 11:11 – “And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise.” This verse speaks to the fulfillment of God’s promise to Sarah, highlighting faith in God’s promises despite seemingly impossible circumstances.
- 1 John 2:25 – “And this is what he promised us—eternal life.” This succinctly captures one of the most significant promises in the Bible – the promise of eternal life in Christ.
- Hebrews 6:17-18 – “God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged.” This passage speaks to the unchangeable nature of God’s promises, offering encouragement and hope.
- Psalm 37:4 – “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” This verse suggests that when we align our desires with God, He promises to fulfill them.
- 2 Corinthians 7:1 – “Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” This verse encourages believers to live holy lives in response to the promises they have received from God.
These verses collectively highlight the Bible’s perspective on promises – both God’s unfailing promises to humanity and the seriousness with which humans should approach their own promises. They underscore the themes of God’s faithfulness, the importance of trust, and the call for integrity in our commitments.