The Simplicity of Yes and No
In Matthew 5:37, Jesus teaches us to be straightforward: “But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil.” His words urge us to be people of integrity, keeping our promises without feeling the need to over-swear or make elaborate oaths. When our “yes” means yes and our “no” means no, our words have strength on their own. Jesus is warning that anything more than a truthful word can open a door to what’s not of God, a path where deceit and manipulation can creep in.
James 5:12 reinforces this truth: “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.” When we add empty promises or exaggerate our words, we risk judgment, showing that our “yes” or “no” may not be genuine.
This isn’t just about the words we say—it’s about the truth behind them. God calls us to speak with honesty, whether that means saying “yes” or “no,” without adding anything to convince others of our sincerity. When we embellish, we risk moving away from the truth. The evil Jesus warns about can come from small compromises: we might exaggerate or twist the truth slightly, thinking it’s harmless, only to find that these little changes take us further from the kind of honesty God desires.
Consider a friend asking for a favor. If we say, “Yes, I’ll be there,” but don’t mean it, or if we add, “I promise I’ll be there” without intending to keep it, we’re using extra words to create a false impression. In these moments, our words can become tools of deception rather than truth. God calls us to avoid this path and to speak with a genuine heart.
In our everyday interactions, from work to relationships, there are subtle ways we can fall into the trap of false assurances. Sometimes, it might seem easier to tell a half-truth, like saying, “It’s almost done” when it’s not. But these little stretches of the truth can create mistrust and open the door to dishonesty, which is exactly what Jesus warns against.
The evil Jesus refers to can seem small or hidden at first—using words to manipulate, to impress, or to avoid conflict. But when we add these layers to our words, they lose the purity of truth. Jesus calls us to a higher standard because God is a God of truth, and those who follow Him are called to reflect that truth.
Our words should be a simple reflection of what’s true in our hearts. When we let our “yes” be yes and our “no” be no, we live in a way that reflects God’s character. By avoiding extra promises and sticking to the truth, we close the door to the kind of evil Jesus warns about, living in the light of honesty and integrity.
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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.”
I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.
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