My God and My Country

Word of God

Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God

Matthew 4:4

The Epistle of James 5:12

(Study notes by Matthew Henry 

Edited/Prefaced by Doktor Riktor Von Zhades)

12 But before all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, nor by earth, nor by any other oath: but let your yea, be yea, and your nay, nay, lest ye fall into condemnation.

Brethren:

Read also the Gospel of Matthew 5:34-37 and Colossians 4:6 - Dr. R.V.Z

“Above all things, swear not; but how many are there who mind this the least of all things, and who make light of nothing so much as common profane swearing! But why above all things is swearing here forbidden? Because it strikes most directly at the honour of God and most expressly throws contempt upon his name and authority. Because this sin has, of all sins, the least temptation to it: it is not gain, nor pleasure, nor reputation, that can move men to it, but a wantonness in sinning, and a needless showing an enmity to God. Thy enemies take thy name in vain, (See Psalm 139:20). This is a proof of men’s being enemies to God, however they may pretend to call themselves by his name, or sometimes to compliment him in acts of worship. Because it is with most difficulty left off when once men are accustomed to it, therefore it should above all things be watched against. And, ‘Above all things swear not, for how can you expect the name of God should be a strong tower to you in your distress if you profane it and play with it at other times?’ But (as Mr. Baxter observes) ‘all this is so far from forbidding necessary oaths that it is but to confirm them, by preserving the due reverence of them.’ And then he further notes that The true nature of an oath is, by our speech, to pawn the reputation of some certain or great thing, for the averring of a doubted less thing; and not (as is commonly held) an appeal to God or other judge. Hence it was that swearing by the heavens, and by the earth, and by the other oaths the apostle refers to, came to be in use. The Jews thought if they did but omit the great oath of Chi—Eloah, they were safe. But they grew so profane as to swear by the creature, as if it were God; and so advanced it into the place of God; while, on the other hand, those who swear commonly and profanely by the name of God do hereby put him upon the level with every common thing.

But let your yea be yea, and your nay nay; lest you fall into condemnation; that is, let it suffice you to affirm or deny a thing as there is occasion, and be sure to stand to your word, an be true to it, so as to give no occasion for your being suspected of falsehood; and then you will be kept from the condemnation of backing what you say or promise by rash oaths, and from profaning the name of God to justify yourselves. It is being suspected of falsehood that leads men to swearing. Let it be known that your keep to truth, and are firm to your word, and by this means you will find there is no need to swear to what you say. Thus shall you escape the condemnation which is expressly”

annexed to the third commandment: The Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” - Matthew Henry