May 13

I will carry out this very day exactly what I swore to you by the LORD, the God of Israel: Surely your son Solomon will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne in my place. — 1 Kgs 1:30 BSB

David had sworn to Bathsheba that her son Solomon would reign as king. Now, he reaffirms to her that his oath will be kept. One of the marks of a person who will dwell in God’s presence is, “They keep their promises, even when it hurts.”

Too many people find it easy to “forget” what they have promised to do. Pledges seem unimportant to them. They make vows thoughtlessly and break them just as easily.

There should never be a need for an oath—a person’s word alone should be considered as binding as the most solemn vow. Forgetfulness is no excuse for breaking promises. If our memory is poor, we should write down our promises and keep them in front of us so we won’t forget.

Someone who can always be relied upon, who never lets anyone down, is like a piece of the Rock of Ages.