TUESDAY August 11, 2026

Be a Person of Your Word

But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment.
James 5:12

Above all the practical things James has taught us, he placed a greater emphasis on keeping our word. When we give our word, we need to keep it. Integrity in the life of a Christian is important. Yet how many times do we fail to keep our word to each other, to those within our families, and to others in our neighborhoods. If you promise to watch the kids, throw a party, show up to see a recital or help someone move, do you follow through on your word? Maybe the reason we do not show up is because we did not feel like doing it after all, and we are full of lame excuses.

Let me tell you, it is better to say no, and not offer any help, so you keep your integrity––“let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’” (Matthew 6:37). Worldly people have a sinful habit. They will often swear to God that they will do something for someone else. But Christians are never to take the Lord’s name in vain. We are to say a simple, “Yes” or “No.”

Interestingly, James was basically repeating what Jesus taught His Twelve Disciples in His Sermon on the Mount (Mathew 5:33-37):

“…it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.”

Be a man or woman of your word. God expects you, as a Christian, to keep your word; He will hold you to it. Do what you have promised, and honor your word, otherwise people will not trust you.

In our manner of speech, our plans of living, our dealings with others, our conduct and walk in the church and out of it—all should be done as becomes the gospel.
~Albert Barnes~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!