My Mom used to get so mad at me when I would say, “I swear to God.” She would tell me that swearing was a sin and that we weren’t supposed to use God’s name in vain. I would feel so convicted back then, but today it makes me chuckle. It’s easy to miss the meaning of specific passages because of deeply held beliefs. James tells you that you should not swear by anything, but let your yes be yes.
James 5:12
“But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment.”
A Promise is Binding in God’s Eyes
To swear by something means to take an oath or promise to do something. If you swore by God or Jesus, it was a binding oath. If you swore by heaven or earth, it was non-binding. A non-binding oath was like keeping your fingers crossed behind your back. James was condemning these kinds of oaths. He was all Christians to consider their words and the promises they made. That’s why he says, “Let your yes be yes.”
Follow Through
Too many Christians tell people what they want to hear with no regard for honesty or following through on what they committed to. They have become experts on excuses for why they couldn’t do it. That is a poor witness and can lead people astray. If you tell someone you are going to do it, you better be prepared to follow through because God is watching. Don’t be afraid to say, “no.”
Let Your Yes be Yes
You will discover long-term benefits when you are a person whose word can be trusted. People will come to you for help and seek your counsel. It will also benefit you in your dealings with fellow Christians because people will be open to your ideas or requests. Let your yes be yes, and your no be no.