Today’s reading is James 5.
James has clearly focused on sins of the tongue. He has explained the tongue is a world of iniquity and can set the entire course of our lives on fire. We shouldn’t curse others, grumble against others, slander others, or judge others in partiality. However, as he wraps up this letter, he drops the bomb. “Above all,” he says. That is, more than anything else he’s talked about. Most especially. Most importantly. Don’t miss this.
Don’t swear.
Really? That’s the most important one? Above everything else he has mentioned, abstaining from oaths is the most important bit of instruction he has to give us? What is that all about?
It may be James is merely driving home the need for honesty. Certainly, when Jesus deals with the issue of oaths in His Sermon on the Mount, the matter of honesty seems to be at the forefront. However, I think there may be something more to this. Especially when we remember James’s earlier encouragement to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, this comment about swearing and taking oaths calls to mind an ancient wisdom teaching.
In Ecclesiastes 5:1-7, the ancient Preacher explains we need to guard our steps when we draw near to God’s house. Specifically, though he uses different words, we need to be quick to hear and slow to speak. Even more specifically, we need to be slow to make vows and oaths to God. Rash vows will lead your mouth to sin. If you have made an oath, you must pay it, especially if you “swore to God.” In James’s context of facing judgment, the Preacher’s question rings in our ears: “Why should God be angry at your voice and destroy the work of your hands?”
How many people, in the midst of suffering start bartering with God? How many start making promises? “God, if you’ll just get me out of this, I promise, I’ll give half of every paycheck to the church.” “God, if you’ll end this pain and suffering, I swear I’ll never miss another worship service again.” We pile up the promises, making rash oaths, writing checks we cannot possibly cash. When we face God in judgment, we don’t want to string of rash, reckless vows and oaths on our ledger.
If you’ve already made them, seek forgiveness. Draw near to God to listen, be slow to speak. Be honest. Let your yes mean yes, and your no mean no. But above all, don’t swear.
Tomorrow’s reading is James 5.
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Discuss the Following Questions with Your Family
- What are your initial reactions to the chapter and the written devo above?
- What do you think of Edwin’s suggestion about the point of James’s warning about oaths and swearing? Is he on to something or do you think he’s missed it? Why?
- Why is honesty important?
- Why should we avoid making oaths to God?
- What do you think we should pray for and about in light of this chapter and today’s post?
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