Quoteful Saturday: Promises

“When a man takes an oath… he’s holding his own self in his own hands. Like water. And if he opens his fingers then — he needn’t hope to find himself again.” ~Robert Bolt

“Not the maker of plans and promises, but rather the one who offers faithful service in small matters. This is the person who is most likely to achieve what is good and lasting.” ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

“We must not promise what we ought not, lest we be called on to perform what we cannot.” ~Abraham Lincoln

“A promise is a cloud; fulfillment is rain.” ~Arabian Proverb

“Promise little and do much.” ~Hebrew Proverb

Today’s quotes were found on this page at Quote Garden. Please check out their other awesome quote listings.

As I read through the quotes at the link above, I was somewhat saddened. There were more negative sayings and perspectives on ‘promises’ than positive ones! In my own personal experience, I know that you can’t always put faith in a person who promises to do things. The only way you’ll get to know a person’s character is by giving them an opportunity to prove themselves to you. You have a take a risk. I learned long ago that I shouldn’t promise something when I’m not certain I’ll be able to follow through. I rarely make promises but when I do utter those words “I promise,” I take them very seriously. I make every effort possible to follow through on those promises.