James 5:12
And since you know that he cares, let your language show it. Don’t add words like “I swear to God” to your own words. Don’t show your impatience by concocting oaths to hurry up God. Just say yes or no. Just say what is true. That way, your language can’t be used against you.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
We’ve all heard the jokes about little kids who asked their mom or dad, “Where did I come from?” and the parent nervously delivered an explanation about reproduction and how babies are born – only to have the child follow with, “Well, Sarah said she came from Toledo, and I just wondered where I came from.” Sometimes, we give too much information!
By the same token, we’ve all heard someone say, “But you swore this wouldn’t happen,” or “You swore you’d never do that!” By adding to our words, we often set up a scenario for others to use them against us. I had never really thought much about the phrase “I swear” until I read this passage in this particular translation. But really, what are we doing when we add these words to a sentence? Are we giving our claim more credence? Do we feel that what we have said or committed to is not enough on its own and needs the bolster of an oath? Did it ever occur to any of us that this indicates impatience or an effort to “hurry up God?”
It is no secret that we need to be mindful of our words as much as our deeds. But how many of us have really considered that our language indicates how much we trust God’s care for us? Who among us has thoroughly pondered the implications of what we say on a regular basis? Do we weigh our words carefully? Do we think at all about how what we say might come back to trouble us at some point? Do we give consideration to who we know is listening… and who is listening that we may not realize?
We should carefully choose our comments and our actions. I have heard more than one person say, “If you wouldn’t say it in front of Mom or Grandma, don’t say it.” Unfortunately, there are a few moms and grandmas who have some pretty colorful language of their own…but you get the picture. Think of it this way…would you say these things in front of a group at your church? How would you feel if someone said these things to you? Does it make the promise or claim of anyone more believable and trustworthy if they add the words, “I swear!” or some off-color expletives to them for emphasis?
There is a lot of power in James 5:12. Please read this passage carefully, and apply it to your own language. Let your “yes” and “no” stand for themselves. You know that God cares for you… but can others tell it from your words and actions? Isn’t it time they did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
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