As a kid I was told to keep my promises, and as a parent I passed along the same instructions. When my wife and I married we exchanged vows, pledging ourselves to a lifetime of commitment, and by the grace of God we’ve managed to follow through. But it’s not always easy.

David asked this rhetorical question: Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?

David lists several attributes of one who walks blamelessly with the Lord. A man or woman who utters neither slander nor slur (even on social media), speaks the truth, despises the vile and honors the holy. This person lends generously and keeps an oath even when it hurts.

There it is—keep your promises. When I look someone in the eye and say I’ll do it, then I’m on the hook. It’s one thing when a person talks you into something and you go along half-heartedly, but here David points to a commitment made of my own free will. Which should give pause before making a rash promise.

Keeping an oath even when it hurts involves honor. If I said I’ll show up, then I arrive on time and ready to go. If I’ve pledged to give, I follow through even if it tugs at my wallet. Integrity and honesty are at stake, as well as my reputation before God and man.

Psalm 15 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by rupixen