In today’s world, it’s become all too easy to make promises that we don’t keep. However, the Bible has plenty of verses about being a person of your word and doing what you say you will do. In the Bible, God expects us to keep our promises, no matter how small. 

Doing so is seen as part of being a faithful and trustworthy Christian. The Bible encourages us to be honest in all our dealings and to strive to keep our word. In this article, we’ll look at some of the Bible’s most powerful verses about doing what you say you will do.

Bible Verses About Doing What You Say You Will Do

1. Ecclesiastes 5:4-5: “When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it.” He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it. This passage emphasizes the importance of honoring one’s promises and showing dependability. Making a vow to God is a serious commitment, and one should not take it lightly.

2. Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” This passage encourages Christians to be mindful of the words they speak and the deeds they do, always acting in a manner that is aligned with the teachings of Jesus.

3. James 5:12: “Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else.” All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise, you will be condemned.” This passage warns against making rash promises or oaths that cannot be kept, as this could lead to severe consequences. It is better to give simple assent to questions rather than make an elaborate vow that cannot be honored.

4. Exodus 20:7: “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God; for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.” This passage warns against taking God’s name in vain and making promises in His name that cannot be fulfilled. To do so dishonors God and will incur His wrath.

5. Proverbs 6:2–3: “Catch yourself a darting lizard, and with it, you can tie down your oath.” “You have made a senseless promise; now, why must you be taken captive by it?” This passage cautions against making empty or foolish promises, as it can lead to one becoming ensnared in the difficulty of trying to keep them.

6. Matthew 5:33-37: “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, “Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.” But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. “All you need to say is simply ‘yes’ or ‘no’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.'” This passage warns against making unnecessary and elaborate oaths, reminding us that a simple yes or no is sufficient.

7. Numbers 30:2: “When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said he would do.” This passage emphasizes the importance of honoring one’s commitments and not going back on one’s word.

8. Isaiah 24:2: “People will be taken captive, each one in his injustice; and when they drink, they will be filled with confusion.” This passage serves as a warning against making false promises.

What God’s Word Says About Keeping Your Word

God’s Word is clear on the importance of keeping one’s word. In the Bible, Proverbs 6:2–3 states, “You are snared by the words of your mouth; you are taken by the words of your mouth.” “So do this, my son, and deliver yourself; for you have come into the hands of your friend.” This passage emphasizes the importance of being attentive to our own words. We are cautioned to be mindful of what we say and to be true to our word.

The Bible also tells us that our word should be our bond, as seen in Psalm 15:4, “In whose eyes a reprobate is despised, but who honors those who fear the Lord; he swears to his hurt and does not change.” This verse underscores the importance of consistently being true to our word, even when it is not convenient.

Throughout the Bible, we see God emphasizing the importance of keeping one’s word. He not only expects it from us, but he also sets an example for us. Hebrews 6:13–18 tells us, “When God made a promise to Abraham because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself.” God’s Word is a powerful testament to the value of honoring our promises and being faithful to our word.

The Bible teaches us that our words should mean something. We should make sure that we only make promises we can realistically keep. By doing so, we are following in the wisdom of God. As stated in Proverbs 12:19, “The lip of truth shall be established forever; but a lying tongue is but for a moment.” Ultimately, keeping our word is the best way to maintain trustworthiness and integrity.

Encouraging Bible Verses to Help You Keep Your Promises

1. Ecclesiastes 5:4-5: “When you make a promise to God, keep it quickly because He does not enjoy the wicked.” Even if you make a vow, do not postpone paying it; for He delights in fools.”Pay what you vow.”

2. Proverbs 6:1–5: “My son, if you have become surety for your neighbor, if you have struck your hands in pledge for a stranger, you are snared by the words of your mouth; you are taken by the words of your mouth.” So, my son, do this and deliver yourself; for you have fallen into the hands of your neighbor: go, humble yourself, and beg your neighbor.”Give no sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids.”

3. Romans 4:20-21: “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.”

4. Numbers 30:2: “If a man makes a vow to the Lord or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.”

5. Luke 14:28–30: “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it? Lest, after he has laid the foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, “This man began to build and was not able to finish.”

6. Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

The Power of Doing What You Say You Will Do in the Bible

The Bible speaks to the importance of doing what one says one will do. This is not a new idea, as the concept dates as far back as the Old Testament, which states that a covenant must be kept and that it must be an oath of truth (Deuteronomy 6:13). 

The New Testament also speaks to the importance of people following through on their promises and fulfilling their obligations, as seen in 2 Corinthians 1:17–20. The passage states that when the Lord promises blessings, he is faithful to keep his word and that when people make commitments, they should do the same.

Moreover, the Bible cautions against making commitments that one is unable to follow through on. Proverbs 20:25 reads, “It is a snare for a man to utter what is sacred and afterward take it back,” suggesting that it is not only wrong to say one thing and do another but that it is also foolish to say what one cannot do. The Bible goes even further in James 5:12, saying that anyone who “makes a promise and yet does not keep it” is tempting God, thereby indicating that breaking promises is a serious moral issue.

This is why it is important to think before making commitments. When one does what they say they will do, it shows that they are a person of integrity. Trustworthy people establish relationships and gain respect in the eyes of others, as well as in the eyes of God. It is a sign of strength when one honors their word and can be relied upon to do what they promise.

Ultimately, doing what one says they will do is an act of obedience to the Lord; it shows trust in him and honors his expectations of us. As the Bible says, “Let your yes mean yes, and your no mean no” (Matthew 5:37). So let us strive to do what we say we will do and never forget that “whatever a man promises, he should do it” (Ecclesiastes 5:4).

The Benefits of Keeping Your Word in the Eyes of God

In the eyes of God, keeping one’s word is essential to maintaining a sense of faith and integrity. It is a demonstration of one’s commitment to God and His teachings. For example, the Bible reflects in several places on the importance of keeping one’s word, particularly when it comes to keeping promises. 

Proverbs 12:19 states, “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.” Additionally, Psalm 15:4 says, “In whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the Lord; he swears to his hurt and does not change.”

The Bible also emphasizes the importance of being honest and keeping your word in other ways. For example, Matthew 5:33–37 states, “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, “You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.” But I say to you, do not swear at all. Your “yes” should be “yes,” and your “no” should be “no.”For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” 

In these verses, Jesus advises His followers that they should always be honest in their words and not make false promises. Keeping your word is a sign of loyalty to those we make promises to, as well as to God.

From a spiritual perspective, the Bible also speaks of the importance of keeping one’s word. Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 states, “When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it.” He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. In this verse, God is reminding us that we should always keep our promises, not just to Him but also to other people. God desires that we keep our word because it demonstrates our commitment to Him and His teachings.

In conclusion, keeping one’s word is essential in the eyes of God. It is a way of showing loyalty, honesty, and commitment to God and His teachings. We must make sure to keep our promises, not just to God but also to others. Keeping our word is a demonstration of our faith and trust in God and is an important part of living a life of faith.

Biblically Based Practical Advice for Keeping Your Promises

1. Know Your Limitations: As a Christian, it is important to understand that some promises are beyond our control. We are taught by Jesus to always seek God’s will and trust in His plan. This can help us better determine what we can and cannot do.

2. Pray for Guidance: Praying for guidance in fulfilling our promises is a great way to honor God and gain His blessings. Ask Him to direct your steps and help you prioritize which promises to keep first.

3. Make Time: We can’t make promises if we don’t have time to fulfill them. Make sure you set aside time to devote to keeping your word.

4. Speak Wisely: Before making a promise, be thoughtful with your words. Make sure you can realistically keep your word and don’t overextend yourself.

5. Keep Your Promise: Once you’ve made a promise, keep it. As Christians, we are taught to be honest and trustworthy.

6. Learn from Mistakes: If you inadvertently break or abandon a promise, take the time to reflect on what went wrong and how you can better keep your word in the future.

7. Seek Help: Don’t be afraid to seek assistance when necessary. Keeping promises can be difficult, especially when it’s a big one. Remember, it’s better, to be honest about not being able to handle something instead of breaking a promise.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bible values honesty and integrity, as evidenced by its many verses on doing what you say you will do. From Wisdom’s warnings against deceitful promises to Jesus’ instructions to be faithful in keeping our commitments to others, the Bible’s message is clear: we must be people of our word. By living a life of honesty and integrity, we can be sure that we are living life the way God intended.