New Life Burbank

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James 5:12: “But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your ‘yes’ be yes and your ‘no’ be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.”

Reflect

It may seem like a pedantic point, but we need to make sure we understand what the word “swear” means. In English we typically use it to refer to “cussing,” but that isn’t the meaning here. The word “to swear” means to invoke God’s name in an attempt to prove the truthfulness of your words or to confirm your promise.

James’s teaching here is a clear echo of the teaching of Jesus on oaths. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus commanded his disciples not to take an oath at all, whether by heaven, or by the earth, or by Jerusalem, or even by your own head (Matt 5:33-36; cp. 23:16-22). He said, “Let what you say simply be ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil” (Matt 5:37). The language of James in this passage is very similar.

Apparently there was a tendency among the Jews of this time to attempt to “weasel out” of one’s oath by swearing by things less sacred than God himself. Ironically, if we are always adding oaths to back up what we are saying, it can make people question our integrity.

James, following the teaching of his Lord, wants us to be people of integrity, whose words can be trusted. Our word should be enough. We should not need to add to it by swearing by something (e.g., “on my mother’s grave”).

Here are some practical areas to think about as you seek to live a life of integrity when it comes to keeping your word. Some of these are obviously more important than others.

If you agree to meet someone for an important meeting, make an effort to be on time.

If you volunteer to help out with something at church, e.g., nursery duty or some other activity, keep your word and show up as you promised.

If you promised you would take your kids to the park or the zoo, keep your word.

You may think that these examples are somewhat trivial in comparison with, say, keeping your marriage vows. But Jesus said, “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much” (Luke 16:10).

Memorize

“Let what you say simply be ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil” (Matt 5:37).

Pray

Father, teach us how to be people of integrity. Help us to understand how important it is to be forthright, honest, truth-telling, and people who keep their commitments. Forgive us for the ways in which we have fallen short, for the times when we have taken our promises lightly. In Jesus’ name. Amen.