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Let Your Yes Be Yes

James 5:12

It is not uncommon to hear this phrase in modern conversations: "God is my witness!" It is usually offered as a guarantee when something has been said that others find doubtful or suspicious. The speaker is saying, "God is my witness; He will back me up when I say I'm telling the truth. If you argue with me, you're arguing with God."

This phrase—"God is my witness"—has biblical roots. Oaths were common in the Old Testament era, but making rash oaths was warned against (Ecclesiastes 5:1-7). Even stricter warnings were placed on invoking God's name when making an oath. God Himself said, "And you shall not swear by My name falsely, nor shall you profane the name of your God: I am the Lord" (Leviticus 19:12). Why? Because God's holy name and reputation was not to be dragged into a shady deal that was beneath His character. God is not a witness for hire, willing to back up the words of anyone who invokes His name. To do so was to use the Lord's name "in vain," expressly prohibited in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:7).

Oath-making had become so prevalent that Jesus warned against it in the Sermon on the Mount—and put the focus back on character. When making a statement or promise, Jesus said, "let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No' be 'No'" (Matthew 5:37). In other words, be a person whose word is backed up by his own character, not God's. Take responsibility for what you say.

When Jesus' half-brother, James, was encouraging new Christians to be patient in the face of persecution, he urged them not to invoke the name of God when professing their faith: "But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No,' lest you fall into judgment" (James 5:12). Our words, actions, and character should speak for themselves—especially our patience as we await the return of the Lord (James 5:7-11).

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