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James 5:12

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

James 5:12

Verse 12 of 20

Scripture focus

But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and [your] nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.

James 5:12 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on James 5:12

Theological / Devotional

Above all. James comes to the climax of his line of thought in verses 1—11. Compare on Matthew 5:33-37.

Swear not. See on Matthew 5:34-37.

Yea be yea. When a man’s words are consistently proved true by his deeds, he will have no desire to reinforce his assertions with an oath. The rabbis declared, “The Holy One, blessed be He, said to Israel: ‘Do not imagine that you are permitted to swear by My name even in truth’” (Midrash Rabbah, on Numbers 30:2f., Soncino ed., pp. 853, 854).

Condemnation. Greek krisis, “judgment.” See on verse 9; cf. Exodus 20:7.

By SdaBc