22/08/2026
HANDLING FAKE PROMISES
I have noticed how people suffer from fake promises. Dealing with fake promises requires wisdom, patience, and discernment. People may make beautiful promises but fail to keep them, teaching us that words must be tested by actions. Proverbs 12:22 also reminds us that “the Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” The ancestors counsel, “A promise is a debt.” Therefore, we should be careful about making promises and equally careful about trusting promises that are repeatedly broken.
When someone deceives us with false promises, we should not allow disappointment to turn us into bitter or dishonest people. Instead, we should learn from the experience and seek God’s guidance. We should place our ultimate trust in God rather than in human words, because people can change, forget, or disappoint us, but God remains faithful. To avoid fake promises, our elders say, “The one who asks questions does not lose his way.” This teaches us to seek clarity, examine situations carefully, and avoid believing every promise without evidence.
Finally, dealing with fake promises means learning to forgive while also setting wise boundaries. Forgiveness does not mean that we must continue trusting someone who repeatedly deceives us. Jesus teaches in Matthew 10:16 to be “as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” We can remain kind-hearted while being wise about whom we trust. Fake promises may hurt us, but they can also teach us discernment, strengthen our character, and draw us closer to the God whose promises never fail.
Remain blessed.
By
Rev Fr Dr Paul Kolade Olutetubi