“Above all, my brothers, do not swear–not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, or you will be condemned.” (James 5:12 )
There is not much of the article on “Truth and Avoidance of Oaths” that I have not already used back in January on the 21st – truly! And I am not sure what I can add that would illuminate the issue more – really!
The book of James is a usual collection of good advice for living an accountable and faithful life. The admonish not to swear by anything, but simply to state a clear “yes” or “no” is part of the listing of advice. As I was doing some reading on James, I looked at some interesting commentary. The website I found is collaboration between Aletheia Bible College and Carelinks Ministries. The verse by verse commentary listed there is taken from Duncan Heaster, James And Other Studies. The idea was put forth by this writer that the writer of James was cautioning the reader not to use hyperbole or exaggeration in order to give weight and credence to their affirmations and promises. Such childlike/childish things like “cross my heart and hope to die / stick a needle in my eye” are not to be the affirmations of a mature Christian. Likewise the old “pinky swear” would not be appropriate either.
And that is about all that I can think of to add – honestly!
May you gentle reader speak the truth in all things, and let the integrity of your words stand on their own. Selah!
