Swearing Doesn’t Make You Cool: Telling the Truth Does

Mother asked, “What did your father say when he fell off the ladder?”

Billy asked, “Should I leave out the naughty words?”

Mother said, “Of course.”

Billy replied, “Nothing.”

Such language is profanity, not swearing. What is the difference? Profanity degrades God and men created in His image. Such "swearing" doesn't make you cool. Swearing in the Bible solemnly appeals to God to guarantee one’s truthfulness or good intentions. James 5:12 deals with swearing, not profanity.

There is a difference between swearing an oath in the Old Testament and New Testament times. An oath in the Old Testament called the LORD to witness between two parties. For example, between Laban and Jacob (Genesis 31:49-50). It was doubly binding if a curse was called down on oneself if the oath were broken (1 Samuel 20:13).

The Old Testament knew nothing of the oaths witnesses take in modern law courts. In treaties and requests, an oath sealed a promise (Genesis 47:31). If there were no witnesses, the defendant took an oath asserting his innocence and calling down God’s curses on himself if he was lying (Numbers 5:11-28). God took oaths to guarantee that His words are true and that He will fulfill His promises.

Swearing oaths was not discouraged in the Old Testament. But not carrying out an oath or swearing an oath falsely was condemned—especially if God’s name was invoked as part of the oath.

James 5:12 reflects Jesus’ words, “But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all” (Matthew 5:34 NIV). The Jews of His day did not want to misuse God’s name, so they swore by heaven, by earth, etc. Some of their oaths were binding and others were not. A vow made by Jerusalem was not binding unless one faced Jerusalem while making it.

Jesus attacked such hair-splitting rules (Matthew 23:16-22). He said the one who swore by the altar, the temple, or heaven did so by God who gave these things their authority.

Jesus prohibited swearing to counter sophisticated lying through oath-taking. His aim was for humans to tell the truth to one another. Oaths are unnecessary for those who keep their promises and consistently speak the truth.

Does Jesus forbid all oaths? Most Christians believe swearing an oath is permitted in formal settings such as law courts, but not in other settings. Others expect you to lie if you have something to gain from it. Such mistrust requires an oath and a penalty for lying under oath.

The cross is God’s truth about you. Behind it is the power to make you truthful. Do you consistently tell the truth, even when it is costly to do so? If you don’t, today would be a good day to start! What is your takeaway? See additional free spiritual growth resources for Christians.   #freediscipleshipresources #freeevangelismresources #freechristianleadershipresources

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