"Let your Yes be Yes and your No, No." The words in Matt 5:37 were spoken by Jesus as he explained that swearing by something or making an oath based on validation should not be necessary. When you say something, your actions must support your words.
In our culture saying "I swear on my mother's grave" or "Cross my heart, hope to die" or using profanity to convey a sense of importance or urgency are modern manifestations of the swearing or oath taking. Yet even in the 21st century we ultimately respect and believe someone who is as "good as his word," "his word is as good as his bond."
In spite of political correctness and public relations attempts to say something that is ambivalent and thus cannot be attributed as a stand, people still hope to find those who say what they mean, whose Yes is Yes and No is No.
Jesus was saying that during His time on earth and His words are pertinent as well for today, some will verbally commit to do something, but not follow through. Thus, to emphasize that they really mean to do it, they would swear by something.
Jesus says two things here that remain relevant today — say what you mean and then do what you say. Those around you will come to trust you when your actions are the same as your words.
So the question is this, does your Yes mean Yes and your No mean No? Let's talk about that. Email me at bbrant@heraldoftruth.org or join the conversation at www.hopeforlife.org.
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