This is where I add notes and thoughts as I study the Bible. Please feel free to comment.
But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation. – James 5:12
This verse must be ranks among the most miss understood verses in the Bible. It’s not about cussing or a prohibition against making an oath. My guess is that if you’re married, you made a vow before God and man. R.C. Sproul notes:
“This is not a prohibition against cursing or the use of vulgarity. It concerns taking oaths by appealing to objects as witnesses (which in biblical terms is a form of idolatry). Only God has the power to be an omnipresent, omniscient witness to oaths and vows. Just and godly vows are not prohibited because they form a vital part of all covenants.“
Sorry, it’s not okay to cuss. “Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.” (Ephesians 5:4) My point is that we need to understand the Scriptures, and James 5:12 concerns idolatry, not cussing or banning vows.
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