People of Empty Promises: Their Standing Before the Gods and Mankind

[UDDTHU]

PLEDGE, THEN CALAMITY​

Trust Is Not Built in Haste

Trust is not won quickly, nor is it built in haste. It is a blessing that forms drop by drop over time, measured by every action, every decision, and every word.

The gods have commanded that trust be honored, for it is the pillar of connection between souls and the foundation of order among humankind.

But one who gives hollow promises not only betrays others, but deceives themselves and defies the will of the gods.
Every promise made without true intention or commitment harms the soul of the speaker and slowly erodes the foundation of trust.
Such a person squanders opportunities, devalues words, and poisons relationships.

The liar, despite the filth of his deeds, at least remembers his lies. But the one who utters empty promises forgets them the moment they are spoken.
His memory holds no trace of his own word.
He carries a calendar filled with stillborn promises, words never truly considered and never pursued.

In times of need, such a person offers grand, alluring promises. But not out of responsibility, rather to deceive or to escape judgment temporarily.
He believes that speaking is equal to doing, forgetting that words carry commitment, and commitment brings responsibility.

There are times when the gods, before a person fulfills their promise, grant them what they have asked for so that they may be tested and taught.

In ancient civilizations, breaking a vow was not merely an insult to an individual. It was a rupture in the sacred bond of trust that generations had paid dearly to preserve.
A single betrayal could destroy a legacy of trust, with consequences echoing through the generations.

Yet the speaker of hollow promises talks without reflection, pledges without intent, and when failure arrives, he has eloquent phrases ready.
He hides behind lofty slogans instead of making amends, and cloaks his disloyalty and weakness in sweet and empty words.

A person’s promises are a direct reflection of their character.
A rootless promise will yield a rootless relationship.
Empty promises create empty lives.

Such a person wonders why others no longer trust him, why his relationships grow cold, and why his voice carries no weight.
But he forgets that he has shown, time and again, that his words hold no substance.
Even his truths fall under the shadow of doubt.

The collapse of trust is rarely sudden.
It does not fall from an obvious betrayal, but decays slowly through broken, minor promises left unattended.
And this decay, in the end, leads to complete collapse.

How to Stay Loyal to Your Promises and Commitments:

In life, a person's character is defined not only by the actions they take, but also by the words they speak and the promises they uphold. Promises and commitments are not just agreements between people; they are also witnessed by the gods.

Yet many people make promises easily and fulfill them with difficulty. Honoring a commitment requires awareness, discipline, and true dedication.

Here are a few essential principles for staying loyal to your word:

1. Think Carefully Before Making a Promise
Making a promise is easy, but its consequences can be serious. Before you commit, ask yourself:
Am I truly capable of fulfilling this? Do I genuinely want to take on this responsibility?
If you have even the slightest doubt about following through, it is better not to promise at all.

2. Do Not Take Promises Lightly
A promise is not just a sentence. Every promise is a responsibility.
Just as writing a check without funds is a crime, making a promise without action leads to loss of credibility.
One who fails to keep their word will eventually lose their place in the hearts of others.

3. Write Down Your Promises and Stay Committed

Keep a record of your promises. Forgetfulness is not an acceptable excuse for breaking your word.
Writing makes the commitment feel more real and shows that you take it seriously.

4. Make a Plan to Fulfill It
A promise without a plan is just a wish.
If you truly want to follow through, dedicate time, resources, and energy to it.
True commitment means consistent effort, not wishful thinking.

5. If You Cannot Follow Through, Be Honest and Transparent
Sometimes circumstances change. If you truly cannot fulfill your promise, stop hiding or making excuses.
Explain the situation clearly, take responsibility for your mistake, and if possible, offer a way to make amends.
Honesty in failure is better than deception disguised as loyalty.

6. Promise Less, Deliver More
A wise person makes fewer promises but strives to fulfill even the smallest of them.
This builds trust, and trust is the most valuable spiritual asset a person can possess.

In Conclusion

One who honors their promises earns respect not only from others but also in the eyes of the gods.
And one who breaks their word, even with good intentions, weakens the very foundation of their character by failing to act.

A student asked Apollo why a man who was not good in many respects passed on to exist with the Gods, given that the man was neither very capable nor had done many great deeds in his life.
Apollo responded: “With a loyal man of principles, we can work to increase his abilities. Yet, with a disloyal soul, such efforts are rendered empty and cast into the abysmal pit!”​

Apollo, Great Lord,

Instruct me to find the power to remain loyal,

Loyal to the Path,

Loyal to my own who walk the Path,

Loyal and strong enough to endure all the trials,

To be one of You, O Gods, one day!”​