It is important to keep one’s word. `Keeping one’s word’ means to do what you say. Even if you have to suffer a lot for it, person who keeps his word can be depended upon. He is honored and respected. If we keep our word, we avoid confusion and things run smoothly. There are many occasions when things go wrong because someone has failed to keep his promise.

So, we should chew our thoughts carefully before we express them. We can please; hurt and cause anger and invite violence and retaliation by mere speech. If a person, be it a young student or a grown-up man, tell lie to make an excuse in any matter, he may be caught and thus may lose his credibility. That’s why it’s said, ``once a liar always a liar.’’

Tenali Ramakrishna was a wise man. One day he entertained the king of Vijayanagar. The king of Vijayanagar became very happy and impressed. The king said, ``Dear Tenali Rama, I am happy with you. So, hereby I gift you the whole town that lies in the south of kingdom.

Tenali Rama Krishna was very happy to hear it. But many days passed yet no paperwork was done. Tenali wanted to remind the king but he did not want to anger the king.

One day an Arab citizen with a camel arrived in Vijayanagar. All the people including the king and Tenali had never seen camel before. So, they went to see the camel. Every one made comments about the camel. The king remarked, ``I wondered why God created such a strange and shapeless animal.’’

Tenali Rama immediately replied, `` I think the camel must have been a king in the previous birth. He became shapeless animal as punishment for not fulfilling the promise e made to one of his courtiers.’’

Soon the king realized his mistake and gifted the town to Tenali Ramakrishna.

So, we should fulfill the promise we make.