37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
37 Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from evil.
37 Just say 'yes' and 'no.' When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong.
37 But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.
37 Just say a simple, 'Yes, I will,' or 'No, I won't.' Anything beyond this is from the evil one.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 5:37
Commentary on Matthew 5:33-37
(Read Matthew 5:33-37)
There is no reason to consider that solemn oaths in a court of justice, or on other proper occasions, are wrong, provided they are taken with due reverence. But all oaths taken without necessity, or in common conversation, must be sinful, as well as all those expressions which are appeals to God, though persons think thereby to evade the guilt of swearing. The worse men are, the less they are bound by oaths; the better they are, the less there is need for them. Our Lord does not enjoin the precise terms wherein we are to affirm or deny, but such a constant regard to truth as would render oaths unnecessary.