James 5:12

Verse 12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not.

When we remember that these brethren were undergoing persecution, and further that they were called upon to swear, and that some, to avoid punishment, were induced to swear falsely, the importance of the apostle's injunction becomes apparent. My opinion is that the apostle urges them to swear truthfully and not to swear falsely, neither by heaven, nor by earth, nor by any other oath, but let your oath be yea; that is, in perfect conformity to the truth. And your nay be also conformable to the truth. And your nay be also conformable to the truth. Your oath, then, will not be condemned as is that made by the hypocrite. I am aware of the fact that many regard this as an injunction to the believer in Christ Jesus to refuse to be sworn in the ordinary course of the administration of jus- tice in our courts and refer to our Lord's words found in Matthew 5:33-37; but I think, fairly interpreted, such a meaning can not be placed upon the words of the Master. In many places on the pages of the Living Oracles a different view is definitely stated. These citations are deemed unnecessary to note here. What is known as profanity using God's name in vain recognized by all as a sin, is an entirely different matter to that alluded to in the text before us. Oath before tribunals is what the apostle brought to the attention of the brethren.