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What does the Bible say about breaking promises?

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The Bible teaches that breaking lawful promises is a serious sin, because God calls his people to speak truthfully and faithfully reflect his own unchanging character. Numbers 30:2 and Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 urge believers to fulfill vows rather than make them carelessly. Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:33-37 and James 5:12 that ordinary speech should be so honest that a simple yes or no is trustworthy. God himself does not alter his covenant or lie, as Psalms 89:34 and Numbers 23:19 declare. Yet those who have failed may confess their sin, seek forgiveness through Christ, make restitution where possible, and depend on the Spirit to grow in integrity.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Numbers 30:2

    When a man vows a vow to Yahweh, or swears 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.

  • James 5:12

    But above all things, my brothers, don't swear, neither by heaven, nor by the earth, nor by any other oath; but let your "yes" be "yes," and your "no," "no;" so that you don't fall into hypocrisy.

  • Proverbs 19:5

    A false witness shall not be unpunished. He who pours out lies shall not go free.

  • Ecclesiastes 5:4-5

    [4] When you vow a vow to God, don't defer to pay it; for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay that which you vow. [5] It is better that you should not vow, than that you should vow and not pay.

  • Psalms 89:34

    I will not break my covenant, Nor alter what my lips have uttered.

  • Proverbs 25:14

    As clouds and wind without rain, So is he who boasts of gifts deceptively.

  • Matthew 5:37

    But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No' be 'no.' Whatever is more than these is of the evil one.

  • Ecclesiastes 5:5

    It is better that you should not vow, than that you should vow and not pay.

  • Matthew 5:33-37

    [33] "Again you have heard that it was said to them of old time, 'You shall not make false vows, but shall perform to the Lord your vows,' [34] but I tell you, don't swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God; [35] nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. [36] Neither shall you swear by your head, for you can't make one hair white or black. [37] But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No' be 'no.' Whatever is more than these is of the evil one.

  • Numbers 23:19

    God is not a man, that he should lie, Neither the son of man, that he should repent: Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not make it good?

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