Week 6: Never take an oath

But most of all, my brothers and sisters, never take an oath, by heaven or earth or anything else. Just say a simple yes or no, so that you will not sin and be condemned for it (James 5:12, NLT).

The Word of God is very clear that a believer in Christ should never take an oath. Your life should be of such level of Integrity that your simple word is sufficient in any situation.

First, it was Christ our Lord, while teaching the principles of God’s kingdom, now known as the Sermon on the Mount, that emphatically instructs never to take an oath.

But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne:

Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.

Neither shalt thou swears by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.

But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than this cometh of evil (Matthew 5:34-37).

This Word of Christ says whatever makes you want to use an oath to prove the veracity of your word is of the evil one.

Then comes the teaching of James, one of the Apostles of the Lamb. Taking his cue from Christ his Master, he said: “But most of all, my brothers and sisters, never take an oath….”

Furthermore, he said: “Just say a simple yes or no” He then gave a clear reason. “So that you will not sin and be condemned” (James 5:12, NLT).

It is clear from the above statement that using an oath to support your word is a sin, and it brings condemnation.

You should, therefore, live your life in such a straight forward manner that you would never need the oath to confirm anything. Your simple word of communication is enough.

Therefore, never take an oath. You are a priest of the Highest God.

For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts (Malachi 2:7).