“He swears to his own hurt and does not change” Psalm 15:4(b)
Just exactly what does it mean to be honest, to be “true to your word?” Frankly, for much of my adult life I did not have a clear understanding of this Biblical directive. The following fictional story changed my thinking—and my life—regarding exactly what it means to be “true to your word”. I share the story with you now. Prepare to be challenged.
As I attempted to mow my grass last week, I came to the sad, unfortunate conclusion that my mower was on its last leg and that purchasing a new one was unavoidable. With dread, I drove to my local hardware store, reluctantly picked out a suitable (and affordable) mower, and rolled it to the check-out counter.
As the clerk rang up my purchase, the clerk and I were both taken aback as lights flashed, bells rang, and the clerk, after looking carefully at her screen, exclaimed “Congratulations! You are our one-millionth customer! As a result, you are entitled to a second lawn mower—free!”
Okay, wonderful! (Uh, who needs two lawnmowers?)
I immediately thought of my neighbor and long-time friend, Mr. Amos, who I was sure could also use a new mower. On my way home I stopped at Mr. Amos’ home and congratulated him: “Mr. Amos, you are the owner of a brand new lawn mower. I just won it at the hardware store, and I would like to give it to you. I’ll bring it over first thing tomorrow morning!”
Leaving Mr. Amos’ house with a satisfied grin, I drove home and unloaded both mowers. I rolled my own mower behind my house and placed it in its shed; I parked Mr. Amos’ mower on my porch, where I could easily deliver it the next morning.
That was a mistake.
The next day, I woke up, and walked onto the porch. To my dismay, I saw that Mr. Amos’ mower was gone—stolen during the night.
I promised Mr. Amos that mower. What was I to do?
I offer two possible responses, one before I fully understood the meaning of the verse cited below and a second response after this verse struck my heart:
“He swears to his own hurt, and does not change.” Psalm 15:4(b)
Response #1, pre-Psalm 15:4 impact:
A stolen mower? Surely Mr. Amos will understand. Devastated, I walk across the street, hat in hand. I explain to him about the previous night’s unexpected theft, and apologize profusely that the mower I had promised was now gone, and no longer available. Mr. Amos, being a most gracious friend, smiled, patted me on the shoulder, and assured me that no harm was done. I return home, satisfied that I had fully explained the situation to Mr. Amos, and done everything I could to keep my promise to him.
Response #2, post-Psalm 15:4 impact:
A stolen mower? Wow, last night I promised Mr. Amos a new mower, now that mower is gone. Taking a deep breath I jump into my truck, and quickly return to the hardware store. I walk purposefully back to the now-familiar lawnmower section, locate the appropriate mower, roll it to the checkout counter, and then out the door. Leaving the store, I drive straight to Mr. Amos’ house. Mower unloaded, I roll it up to his porch, and with a broad smile enthusiastically say “Mr. Amos, here’s the new mower I mentioned last night. I am delighted to be able to help you in this way. I hope you enjoy it. Have a wonderful day!”
I return home, satisfied, and with my heart fully content. Even though the purchase of the mower cost me, I faithfully fulfilled my promise, however casual, to my friend and neighbor. It was well worth the relatively small sum invested.
To be clear, I’m sure that I do not fulfill 100 percent of every promise I make. Like you, I am a fundamentally-flawed sinner, saved solely by the grace of God; I make mistakes, I make errors, and make them often.
Also, as a Christian, I am absolutely under no obligation to adhere to Old Testament teachings; however, in 1 Corinthians 10, the Apostle Paul tells us that the Old Testament is given to us for our instruction. Living purposefully to fulfill this simple directive has changed my life, and changed how I think regarding my responsibility to be “true to my word.”
“O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill? He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, And speaks truth in his heart. He does not slander with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor takes up a reproach against his friend; In whose eyes a reprobate is despised, But who honors those who fear the LORD; He swears to his own hurt and does not change;”. Psalm 15:1-4
I challenge you to consider this simple passage, and how you might likely respond if faced with a similar uncomfortable, challenging situation.
Note: I attribute this story to my friend, Randy Philips, who shared it with me several years ago. I have never forgotten, and will never forget, Randy, and the impact he had on my life; Randy died in 2013 – his influence lives on.
Great post, David, that is a lesson for us all. Good to hear from you. 🙏
Another great Paw Paw’s Ponderings.
Apparently Randy instilled this in his children. Years ago, one of his older sons had agreed to help my husband on a certain day. When it came to that day, something better had come up. That son still helped my husband. It was hard for him to want to keep the commitment, but he did. I haven’t forgotten that example!
Thanks for the encouragement.