Matthew 5:33-37 Oaths

To swear is to make a solemn statement about something as true; or to make a promise to do something. Swearing required invoking a divine witness. Swearing in itself was not prohibited. The problem Jesus is addressing is the use of God's name in vain during swearing. In other words, using swearing to lie or to make false promises.

The common practice of the day was to swear in such a way (e.g. for the temple, for the objects on the altar, etc...) that you could get out of your commitment without consequences. Christ is saying that our words are binding. If we speak, we commit. If we commit, we must follow through.

When I examine my speech, I realize that sometimes I am not careful with my words. I make commitments that I have no intentions of following through. I make promises that are designed to get people off my back, but has very little substance as to my commitment to make it happen. I speak rashly without counting the cost of what I am proposing. I let people down too often, especially those very close to me.

Lord, help me make a commitment to speak the truth always. Help me commit to follow through with my promises no matter how painful they may be to accomplish. Especially with my loved ones, give me sensitivity to speak clearly and not just to get them "off my back."