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. —James 5:12

We live in a day and age where there is a

I. Prohibition against deceptive swearing 5:12a

12 But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, —James 5:12a

• A. “Above all”

• B. Prohibition understood

  1. Reflection of Jesus’ teaching – Matthew 5:33-37; 23:16-22
  2. A correction to the common practice in the Jewish system to get around the obligations of oaths

  3. Bible does not forbid oath-taking
     a. Individuals made them

     1. Isaac with King Abimelech – Genesis 26:25-31
     2. David with Jonathan – I Samuel 20:12-17
     3. Paul – Acts 18:18
        

        18 After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow. —Acts 18:18
        

     
     b. God took oaths
     

     1. With Abraham – Genesis 22:16-18

        16 and said, “By myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, 18 and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.” —Genesis 22:16-18

     2. With Israel – Exodus 6:8 (Promise Land); Deuteronomy 28:9 (Nation)

        8 I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. I will give it to you for a possession. I am the LORD.’” —Exodus 6:8
        9 The LORD will establish you as a people holy to himself, as he has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the LORD your God and walk in his ways. —Deuteronomy 28:9
        

     c. God required oaths

     1. In the dispute of property – Exodus 22:10-11

        10 “If a man gives to his neighbor a donkey or an ox or a sheep or any beast to keep safe, and it dies or is injured or is driven away, without anyone seeing it, 11 an oath by the LORD shall be between them both to see whether or not he has put his hand to his neighbor’s property. The owner shall accept the oath, and he shall not make restitution. —Exodus 22:10-11

     2. Test for adultery – Numbers 5:19-22
        

     d. God expects vows to be taken seriously

     1. Numbers 30:2

        2 If a man vows a vow to the LORD, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth. —Numbers 30:2

     2. Ecclesiastes 5:1-6
        

Our world may treat the

II. Instruction in honesty 5:12b

[…] but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation. —James 5:12b

• A. Principle: Say only what you mean and mean what you say!

• B. Warning

  1. Main focus is on the unbeliever
     a. The word for judgment is never used for the chastisement of a believer
     b. The word for judgment is always used for the condemnation of the unbeliever

  2. Application for the believer
     a. Dishonesty is inconsistent with our identity in Christ – John 8:44; Revelation 21:8, 27; 22:15

     44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. —John 8:44
     8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” … 27 But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life. —Revelation 21:8, 27
     15 Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. —Revelation 22:15
     

     b. God takes our honesty seriously – Acts 5:4

     4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” —Acts 5:4
     

     c. We are to be known as people of truth – Psalm 51:6; John 17:17

     6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. —Psalm 51:6
     17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. —John 17:17
     

People of

Small Group Questions

1. What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.

2. What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.

3. What situation have you faced recently where your integrity came into play?

4. How can we be guilty of treating our words casually?

5. How can we ensure that our character establishes the integrity of our words?