---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: An oath that is not to bee made is not to…"
description: "\"An oath that is not to bee made is not to be kept.\" — George Herbert"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/be3/george-herbert-107_bees_an-oath-that-is-not-to-bee-made-is-not-t_2625762.jpg"
---

#  An oath that is not to bee made is not to be kept.

![“An oath that is not to bee made is not to be kept.” quote by George Herbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/be3/george-herbert-107_bees_an-oath-that-is-not-to-bee-made-is-not-t_2625762.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/be3/george-herbert-107_bees_an-oath-that-is-not-to-bee-made-is-not-t_2625762.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/be3/george-herbert-107_bees_an-oath-that-is-not-to-bee-made-is-not-t_2625762.jpg)

> “An oath that is not to bee made is not to be kept.”

[George Herbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-herbert/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

An oath that is never made cannot be broken, emphasizing the importance of commitment before promise.

**In simple terms:** Only made promises can be broken.

Key Takeaway

Make commitments before promising.

Themes

ethics commitment integrity language

Mood

reflective ethical

Type

philosophical practical

When to use this quote

- legal agreements
- personal vows
- business contracts

Key Concepts

promise theory moral philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

- When is a promise implied?
- How do you handle broken promises?

A Different Perspective

May ignore unspoken expectations.

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