Why you should stop breaking promises
Mean What You Say
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And above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath. But let your “Yes” be yes and your “No” be no, so that you may not fall into judgment.
James 5:12 (NET)
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I’ve always thought of James as the most practical book.
He doesn’t mince words so it can feel a little harsh -- but that also makes it easy to see how to directly apply the teachings.
This verse is also a practical one.
You shouldn’t need to make oaths to people, your answer should be enough.
Of course, this is all about character & integrity.
Are you the kind of person who does what you say you’ll do when you say you’ll do it? Can you be trusted to keep your word?
I’m not attacking you, I’ve struggled with this from time to time too.
I ought to be a man who always sticks to my word.
Sometimes that means being better about writing things down, putting things in my schedule so I can remember to follow through with them.
Other times require me to follow through on my promises, even if I foolishly made those promises.
Psalm 15 talks about the man of God “swears to his own hurt and does not waiver.”
Which is to say, he keeps his promises even if it hurts him.
That is a person of character & integrity.
I’ve still got a long way to go.
For today, I will do my best to mean what I say and follow through.
— Ricky Ketchum
Copyright © 2026 by Ricky Ketchum. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
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