Today’s devotion comes from James 5:12.
“But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment.” James 5:12.
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The use of the words “above all” commands our attention to this verse and our priority to “do not swear”. The command to “do not swear” is not to be lightly dismissed nor to be treated casually.
It may help us to do so by using an example of wedding vows. If we are careful with wedding vows which seem so innocent, sweet, loving, and marriage-building, then we will be more likely to be careful with other types of swearing.
“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.
Consider the following from the Heidelberg Catechism which covers the third commandment of the Ten Commandments which I also quote here. “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.” Exodus 20:7.
Q. 99. What is required in the third commandment?
A. That we, not only by cursing or perjury, but also by rash swearing, must not profane or abuse the name of God; nor by silence or connivance be partakers of these horrible sins in others; and, briefly, that we use the holy name of God no otherwise than with fear and reverence; so that He may be rightly confessed and worshiped by us, and be glorified in all our words and works.
Q. 100. Is then the profaning of God’s name by swearing and cursing so heinous a sin that His wrath is kindled against those who do not endeavor, as much as in them lies, to prevent and forbid such cursing and swearing?
A. It undoubtedly is, for there is no sin greater or more provoking to God than the profaning of His name; and therefore He has commanded this sin to be punished with death.
Q. 101. May we then swear religiously by the name of God?
A. Yes; either when the magistrates demand it of the subjects, or when necessity requires us thereby to confirm fidelity and truth to the glory of God and the safety of our neighbor; for such an oath is founded on God’s Word, and therefore was justly used by the saints both in the Old and New Testament.
One may think he is clever and think that he has found a loophole in the above answer to Question 101 that wedding vows “confirm fidelity” in marriage. But, does “necessity” require us to vow more than we take our fiance’ as our spouse in marriage?
How often have we heard long, rambling, careless marriage vows, that even included jokes! Is that protected?! NO!!!
So, if we feel the absolute need to add a list of vows to the one vow, if necessary, to join us in marriage, then we can distinguish it by using Jesus’ instruction in Matthew 5:37 above. “But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil.” Matthew 5:37.
We can ask the Pastor performing the marriage to briefly introduce the reason for a wedding statement, and each spouse can say something like: “In addition to my wedding vow to take Susan (or Bob) as my wife (or husband) to be joined in marriage, I would like to make a wedding statement. My wedding statement is ‘Yes, yes’ to (fill in the blank) and ‘No, no’ to (fill in the blank).”
If we are careful with wedding vows which seem so innocent, sweet, loving, and marriage-building, then we will be more likely to be careful with other types of swearing.
If we honor God by care to our wedding vows, then we glorify God, set an example for others, and act as if we truly want God’s blessing on our marriage.
“7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
8 It will be healing to your body
And refreshment to your bones.” Proverbs 3:7-8.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 