Promise, as defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is: “a declaration that one will do or refrain from doing something specified; or a legally binding declaration that gives the person to whom it is made a right to expect or to claim the performance or forbearance of a specified act.”
When we don’t keep a promise to someone, it communicates to that person that we don’t value him or her. According to Royale Scuderi (creative strategist and writer): “when we fail to keep a promise, it communicates to the other person that we don’t value him or her. We have elected to place something else ahead of our commitment. This can result in an erosion of trust in our relationships. More importantly, we are telling ourselves that we don’t value our own word. Not keeping a promise to yourself is the same as disrespecting yourself. Eventually, it can harm our self-esteem, confidence, and experience of life.” (extract from 5 Tips to Help You Keep Your Promises; https://www.lifehack.org/articles )
Your word is your bond. Whatever comes out of your mouth should be the truth, and if you say that you are going to do something, then you should do it; otherwise, you should not say it. What people fail to realise is that your word is one of the most valuable things you have. If no one can believe you or trust you, then what does that say about you as a person? Our words are compelling. As Christians, if we make promises to someone or to God, we are to keep those promises. It would have been better for you not to make the promise in the first place than to break it.
Proverbs 11:3 (AMP) The integrity and moral courage of the upright will guide them, But the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them.
Proverbs 20:25 (AMP) It is a trap for a man to [speak a vow of consecration and] say rashly, “It is holy!” And [not until] afterward consider [whether he can fulfill it].
Ecclesiastes 5:2 (AMP) Do not be hasty with your mouth [speaking careless words or vows] or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter before God. For God is in heaven and you are on earth; therefore let your words be few.
Deuteronomy 23:21-23 (AMPCE) When you make a vow to the Lord your God, you shall not be slack in paying it, for the Lord your God will surely require it of you, and slackness would be sin in you. But if you refrain from vowing, it will not be sin in you. The vow which has passed your lips you shall be watchful to perform, a voluntary offering which you have made to the Lord your God, which you have promised with your mouth.
I conclude with Ecclesiastes 5:4-7 (MSG) When you tell God you’ll do something, do it—now. God takes no pleasure in foolish drivel. Vow it, then do it. Far better not to vow in the first place than to vow and not pay up. Don’t let your mouth make a total sinner of you. When called to account, you won’t get by with “Sorry, I didn’t mean it.” Why risk provoking God to angry retaliation? But against all illusion and fantasy and empty talk There’s always this rock foundation: Fear God!