"In my book, "being a man of his word" is a pretty lofty compliment...and one I saw lived out before me from my father."
My dad taught me by both word (often) and deed (always!) that keeping one's word was the most important character trait one could have. He also cautioned me that it was critically important to be very careful to consider whether or not I could keep any of my words that I might give, because once given, a promise must be kept even if it hurts or costs! As a boy, I found it really easy to give my word easily without "counting the cost", but I also found that if you don't keep your word, then your word is worthless. And it takes a very long while to re-establish the fact that your word can be taken and trusted. These lessons I learned the hard way, in spite of my dad's efforts. But he was right!
To me, if the above quote is said of any person, that's arguably the highest compliment that can be given. I'd certainly consider that so if it was said of me! My dad did business, large or small, with his given word and a handshake. No piece of signed paper was necessary. There were a few times when circumstances (a completely hailed out crop) prevented him from doing what he promised at the time he said he would do it, but he immediately assured the one to whom he had given his word that he would do what he said as soon as he possibly could, and he always did. That promise became his first priority. He couldn't stop the hailstorm, but he could and did what he had promised! His word was his bond.
Fortunately, with his help, I learned this lesson while still a young'un, and I am grateful for his teaching and his example.
