Matthew 5:37

Thursday, 12 December 2024

But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one. Matthew 5:37

“And let it be, your word, ‘Yes, yes.’ ‘No, no.’ And the surplus of these, it is out of evil” (CG).

The previous verse noted that Jesus said not to swear by our heads because we cannot make one hair white or black. Now, He tells His disciples how their words should be spoken, saying, “And let it be, your word, ‘Yes, yes.’ ‘No, no.’”

The meaning is that instead of swearing about a matter to elevate one’s supposed sincerity concerning it, a person’s simple Yes should mean yes, and a person’s No should mean no. There should be no need for a person to swear an oath because he is to be known for always keeping his word.

The thought is, “That Mike, you can always take him at his word. If he said ‘Yes,’ then he will do what he said.” Likewise, “I don’t know about you, but if Joey said ‘No,’ she didn’t do it. That settles it with me. She is the straightest shooter I have ever worked with.”

The precept is referred to by Paul in 2 Corinthians 1 –

“Therefore, when I was planning this, did I do it lightly? Or the things I plan, do I plan according to the flesh, that with me there should be Yes, Yes, and No, No? 18 But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes and No. 19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me, Silvanus, and Timothy—was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. 20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. 21 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, 22 who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” 2 Corinthians 1:17-22

Likewise, James mentions it in the same context as Jesus in his epistle –

“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

Of this need for sincerity of speech, Jesus next says, “And the surplus of these, it is out of evil.”

The word perissos, surplus, signifies that which is abundant, exceeding, more than, etc. In this case, the meaning is that the need to swear in order to affirm one’s veracity comes from an evil disposition, it stems from an evil purpose, or it is derived from the “evil one,” meaning the devil. No matter which, evil is ultimately derived from the devil. He got the whole ball rolling, and it has continued in hearts of wickedness ever since.

Life application: If you have watched people carefully over the years, you will see that Jesus’ words are borne out in those who constantly swear in order to affirm what they say is true. They will take advantage of the swearing, maybe not lying every time, but using it as a tool of deception when it is convenient.

When they are challenged on their falsities, they will often get angry, belligerent, or act as if they are offended because their integrity has been challenged. It is the people who simply state a matter and follow through with it that are held as people of true integrity.

There is no need for extra ruffles and flourishes in one’s speech when it comes to telling the truth. Just speak what is true in the simplest form, follow through with your words, and people will look at you as a person who is reliable and filled with integrity.

Glorious God, may we be obedient to the precepts laid out for us in Your word concerning our speech and conduct. You created us, and so the manual You have given us for proper living will guide us rightly. We know this, and so help us to remember it as we go forth in the world. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.