Clouds, Wind, Rain, and Promises: This morning I started the day by reading Proverbs 25. Tomorrow I will read Proverbs 26. The following verse stood out to me: “Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of gifts never given” (Prov. 25:14). When I read this, I immediately thought of my two older children (ages 9 and 5). When they ask if I will do something, the only way that they do not hear a resounding “YES” is if I say “No” several times. If I say “Yes,” they do not forget it. They will bring it up over and over as the day goes on if I have not yet done what I promised. If I say, “Maybe later,” or “We will have to see,” then they still take that as a “Yes.” Humor aside, I do not want to be a father of “clouds and wind without rain.” Am I keeping my “little” words to my children? Whether a parent or not, do you keep your word? Do you keep your promises? Can people count on you? That is such a basic, fundamental question. Are you dependable? When you are not able to keep a promise, do you talk to the person and explain why, or do you go silent and just hope that they will forget? I suggest the following:
- Do not make promises hastily; be wise and careful with what you promise
- When you make a promise, keep it even when difficult (Psalms 15:4 “who keeps an oath even when it hurts”)
- When you absolutely cannot keep a promise, reach out to the person and give a heartfelt explanation why
For Christians, is this not what faithfulness, one of the nine fruits of the Spirit, entails?
BJ Condrey, Ph.D. 