“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 ESV). This certainly echos what our Lord said, “Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil” (Matthew 5:37 ESV). Human communication hinges on dependable words. Christians, of all people, should have words that mean something and can be counted on. Christians should not have to have their “hand on the Bible” in order for people to be able to count on what they say. Have the integrity to say what you mean and to stand behind your words.
