SN 11.11 Deva Sattavatapada Sutta
The Discourse about the Noble Promises of God Sakka

This is how I heard. One time the Blessed One was staying in the province of Sāvatthi, in Jeta’s park, at Anāthapiṇḍika’s Monastery.

There, the Blessed One taught this:

“Monks, in the past, when Sakka, lord of the gods, was a human, he practised the seven noble promises. Since he did that, he achieved the position of Sakka, lord of the gods. What were those seven noble promises?

1. As long as I live may I help my parents.
2. As long as I live may I respect the family elders.
3. As long as I live may I speak gently.
4. As long as I live may I not speak divisively.
5. As long as I live may I live at home without greediness, removing the stain of stinginess, open-handed, always ready to give, always free to help others, delighting in giving and sharing, and well organized in giving charity.
6. As long as I live may I speak the truth.
7. As long as I live may I be free from anger, and if anger should arise in me, may I remove it quickly.

“Monks, in the past, when Sakka, lord of the gods, was a human, he practised these noble seven promises. Since he did that, he achieved the position of Sakka, lord of the gods.”

When a person supports his parents, respects the family elders, speaks gentle and pleasing words, does not speak divisive words, removes greediness, speaks truthfully, and controls their anger, the Tāvatiṁsa gods call him a truly superior person.