Our Scripture reading today is James 5:12, "But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation."
The admonition we are receiving today from the Apostle James points us to the little member of our body that can cause great harm if not controlled. He also wrote in chapter three and verse 5, "Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!" "Many Jewish people in the time James wrote made distinctions between “binding oaths” and “non-binding oaths.” Oaths that did not include the name of God were considered non-binding, and to use such oaths was a way of “crossing your fingers behind your back” when telling a lie. It is these kinds of oaths that James condemned."
Our word must be guarded. Our word is valuable and points to our character or lack there of. If we say we are going to do something, it is important that we follow through on whatever we said. We need to use discernment about promises we make. Pray about it and think it through before opening our mouths about a certain decision or activity. May it be said of us that we speak the truth whether someone likes it or not.