When someone says, “You say you will, but you never do,” it is more than just a complaint about broken promises. It is a phrase heavy with disappointment, a subtle fracture in trust, and a tiny crack in the foundation of relationships. The Bible takes words very seriously because words are not empty sounds, they are powerful, reality-shaping declarations.
The Hebrew foundation here is the word דָּבָר (davar, DAH-var). In the Old Testament, דָּבָר is often translated as “word,” “thing,” or “matter,” but it is so much more than a spoken noise. It is an intentional declaration that has creative force. Remember how God spoke the world into existence? It was not with just any sound, but with His דָּבָר: “And God said (וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים, way-yomer Elohim)…” (Genesis 1:3). His words were not idle; they carried the authority to create, to change, to bring forth reality. This is the spiritual gravity behind making promises. When someone speaks a word, דָּבָר, especially a promise, they are issuing a declaration that holds weight in the world, almost as if the spoken word begins to weave itself into reality.
Humans are imperfect vessels. Our דָּבָר can fail us. Isaiah 59:13 is blunt: “For they have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth.” When people say “I will” but fail to follow through, they are falling into שֶׁקֶר (sheqer, falsehood, deception). This does not always mean deliberate lying, but the damage is real. Broken promises shake trust and leave wounds.
A perfect biblical illustration is Jonah’s story. God gave Jonah a clear Word דָּבָר: “Go to Nineveh and preach repentance.” Jonah verbally agreed, yet when push came to shove, he fled. His failure to act was not just a slip, it was a spiritual crisis. Jonah’s story highlights the tension between the spoken word and follow-through, between promise and action. He had the word, דָּבָר, but not the follow-through. What is deeply comforting is God’s response to Jonah: it blends justice with mercy. God’s faithfulness (אֱמוּנָה, emunah) remains steadfast, even when Jonah stumbles and runs. That is a beautiful reminder for us all because sometimes, despite our best intentions, our “I will” is weak.
The New Testament brings in a related but distinct word: the Greek ἐπαγγελία (epangelia, ep-an-GEL-ee-ah). This word means a pledge or declaration about something certain to happen, a promise with a guarantee. The most profound example is God’s ἐπαγγελία of salvation through Jesus Christ. These promises never fail. Hebrews 10:23 encourages us: “Let us hold fast the confession of our ἐπαγγελία without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” God’s promises are anchored in His perfect and unchanging nature. As 2 Corinthians 1:20 reminds us, all God’s promises find their “yes and amen” in Christ.
This contrast between our human broken promises and God’s perfect ἐπαγγελία is monumental. It teaches us where to place our ultimate trust: not in flawed humans but in the One who never fails.
Science provides an interesting perspective on why promises matter. When we commit to something, chemicals like oxytocin flood our system, building bonds and trust. Saying “I’ll do that” activates a feel-good response. But following through depends on more than good intentions. It relies on the brain’s executive functions, the prefrontal cortex’s ability to regulate emotions, stay motivated, and manage impulses. Sometimes illness, stress, or simple distraction causes us to fall short. So when someone says, “You say you will, but you never do,” it is not always sin, often it is human weakness. This calls for grace, but also wisdom. Blind trust is not the answer.
The Bible calls us to live with אֱמֶת (emet, eh-MET), the Hebrew word for truth, faithfulness, and reliability. Living with אֱמֶת means being consistent and genuine, a harmony between words and actions. Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:37 puts it simply and powerfully: “Let your ‘Yes’ be yes, and your ‘No,’ no.” No complicated oaths, no excuses, just plain honesty. It is a call to be a person whose word carries weight in a world that often forgets what promises truly mean.
Life is not always neat, and not everyone keeps their word. Proverbs 25:19 warns, “Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth or a foot out of joint.” Broken promises hurt deeply, especially when we rely on someone during difficult moments. The Bible encourages us to be wise: trust carefully, set healthy boundaries, and forgive when appropriate. We are called neither to be naive nor cynical, but to balance grace with discernment.
God’s promise-keeping is rock-solid. His אֱמוּנָה (emunah) is perfect and eternal. He is the foundation we can rely on when people around us stumble. We can trust Him fully even when human words fail us. We are invited to mirror that faithfulness in our own lives, to become rare, trustworthy people whose promises are not just empty words but living commitments.
Sometimes we are just like Jonah. We say “I will” and then dash off in the opposite direction. Thankfully, God’s grace is like a heavenly GPS, recalculating our route when we mess up. If you are the kind of person who says “I’ll do it” and then gets distracted by a squirrel or maybe a delicious snack, do not despair. Aim for truthfulness, rely on God’s faithfulness, and maybe set a reminder on your phone or a sticky note.
In the midst of disappointment over broken promises, the Bible gives us shining examples of those who did what they said. Their lives show us what אֱמֶת looks like in practice. Abraham, the father of faith, obeyed God’s promise, (ἐπαγγελία) immediately. When God called Abram (later renamed Abraham), He promised to make him a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3). Abraham’s response was immediate obedience. Even when the promise felt impossible, like having a child in old age, Abraham believed God’s ἐπαγγελία and acted accordingly (Romans 4:20-21). His faith was not just lip service; it was living trust. Hebrews 11:8 celebrates Abraham’s faith because he obeyed without knowing exactly where he was going. Abraham’s life beautifully exemplifies words דָּבָר becoming reality. He said “I will follow God,” and he did, no matter the challenges.
Ruth provides a stunning example of loyalty in action. She famously declared to Naomi, “Where you go, I will go; and where you lodge, I will lodge…” (Ruth 1:16). This was not a casual promise but a total life commitment. Ruth left her homeland and embraced Naomi’s people and God. Her actions embodied חֶסֶד (hesed, steadfast loving-kindness and loyalty). Ruth’s faithfulness was tangible; she did what she said, showing that true promises live not just in words but in life.
Nehemiah also steps forward as a model. When he heard about Jerusalem’s broken walls, he said, “I will go and rebuild the wall” (Nehemiah 2:17). Not only did he say it, but he led, inspired others, faced opposition, and worked tirelessly until the job was done (Nehemiah 6:15). Nehemiah’s promise-keeping reflects leadership grounded in faithfulness and perseverance. He is a living example of aligning word דָּבָר with action, even when the task is hard and opposition is fierce.
Finally, we come to Jesus, the ultimate “Yes.” He promised, “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18), and He fulfilled that promise through His death, resurrection, and ongoing spiritual presence. 2 Corinthians 1:20 reminds us that all God’s promises find their “Yes” in Christ. Jesus lived the perfect harmony of word and deed; His “I will” was never empty but fully realized in love and sacrifice.
These examples matter because they show what living with אֱמֶת truly looks like in real life, trusting God’s promises and living faithfully to the promises we make to others. These biblical heroes were not perfect. Abraham doubted sometimes, Nehemiah faced threats, Ruth risked everything, but they pressed into faithfulness anyway.
When you say “I will,” pause and really consider what it means to follow through. Lean on God’s perfect faithfulness when your own follow-through feels shaky. Observe who in your life models dependable, אֱמֶת that you can encourage or emulate. When others fail to keep their word, protect your heart but still offer grace.
Next time you hear the words “You say you will, but you never do,” remember it is part of our human struggle, a struggle God understands deeply. But God’s call and example are crystal clear: be a person of your word. Trust God’s unchanging promises, and let your word דָּבָר be trustworthy in a world starving for truth.
image by chatgpt at my direction