Promises and Wolfism

Sometimes I get worried and I think Wolfie acts recklessly. Like when he climbs up a tree and I find the branches a bit weak. So I ask him not to climb said tree. After I asked him over and over to promise it, he asked me this question, which is a new Wolfism: "Daddy, if I promise you something, is it okay if I say it, but don't do it?" I told him that it kind of defeats the object. That said, I can't help but think it's kind of how many adults deal with promises. Most promises. So this Wolfism is a very innocent statement that reveals a very cynical truth. What do you think?