Bible Study Lessons — Matthew 5:33-37
One word comes to mind — Integrity. When I read this passage from Matthew about vows explained by Jesus, the word rings in my ears. What did Jesus say about vows? What did He mean when He said:
“Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No'”
In the verses below, Jesus is very clear about making vows (promises). Our word is closely related to our name so lets make sure and keep them both unmarred.
What Did Jesus Say about Making Vows?
“Again, you have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not make false vows, but shall fulfill your vows to the Lord.’
But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.
Nor shall you make an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.
But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil.” – Matthew 5:33-37 NASB
Making & Keeping Promises
Oaths and vows were common during the time of Christ, but Jesus told his followers not to use them — their word alone should be enough (see James 5:12).
Are you known as a person of your word?
Truthfulness seems so rare these days, especially during election years, that we feel we must end our statements with ‘I promise.’
If we tell the truth all the time, we will have less pressure to back up our words with an oath or promise.
As Jesus stated, let your “yes” mean “yes” and your “no” mean “no” and you will have less to explain later.
Practice Makes Perfect
This is not rocket science. Keeping your word should be automatic so it can become a habit just like being on time or doing your best at a job.
Keeping your word can also lead to having something that many people today lack — integrity!
You can do it; Christ can help.
Love in Christ
– Bob
Note: If you would like information about how to receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to see John 3:16 to learn more.
Read Today’s Verses Here:
New American Standard Bible
New King James Version