Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, “Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.” But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. All you need to say is simply “Yes” or “No”; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
Matthew 5:33-37
In this passage, Rabbi Yeshua emphasizes a crucial spiritual teaching: the power and consequences of our words, especially in the context of making promises to others. He advises against the practice of swearing oaths, advocating instead for straightforward communication—simply saying ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’ This instruction goes beyond the avoidance of legalistic commitments; it delves into the realm of spiritual integrity and the fluidity of divine guidance.
Yeshua’s directive not to swear an oath at all highlights the importance of not binding oneself to future actions or beliefs through vows. Such commitments can mortgage our future conduct and limit our responsiveness to the evolving guidance of the Holy Spirit. The essence of Yeshua’s message is to maintain an open mind and heart, allowing for the continuous flow of divine wisdom and inspiration. Making vows or promises about future beliefs or actions can inadvertently shut out the Holy Spirit, leading to spiritual stagnation and pride.
This concept of avoiding vows extends to various aspects of religious and spiritual practice. For instance, requiring ministers or congregants to adhere strictly to the doctrines of a particular sect can inhibit spiritual growth and enlightenment. True spiritual evolution involves a dynamic process of learning, unlearning, and relearning, constantly expanding and deepening one’s understanding of divine truths. Fixed doctrines or rules can stifle this organic process of spiritual development.
For example, during my doctoral studies at Dallas Theological Seminary, I encountered a particularly memorable incident in a class focusing on the End Times, which included the teaching of pre-tribulation rapture doctrine. Engaged in a debate with my professor on this topic, I was taken aback when they confessed, “Although I’m required to sign an agreement affirming my belief in the pre-trib rapture doctrine, I personally am not the one to defend it.” This revelation was striking, as Dallas Theological Seminary is renowned for its staunch promotion of this doctrine, uniquely so among seminaries worldwide. Such a commitment to this doctrine is deeply ingrained in the institution’s culture, to the extent that faculty members are obligated to declare their adherence to it formally. Requiring professors at DTS to sign an agreement on such secondary doctrine can limit academic freedom and discourage the open exploration of diverse theological perspectives by both faculty and students.
Furthermore, Yeshua’s teaching warns against the dangers of rigid practices in personal prayers or devotions. While having a structure or routine can be helpful, especially for instilling patterns in spiritual practice, it is crucial to remain open to spontaneous inspiration and guidance. Rigid adherence to specific prayer formulas or routines can lead to losing prayer’s genuine spirit and power. The most potent prayers are those that are spontaneous and inspired by the immediate guidance of the Holy Spirit, not those chosen from a predetermined set.
Our Words
The tongue is the most powerful organ in the human body, and also our deadliest weapon, for all wars begin with its command. Unlike a sword that wounds the body, the tongue can scar the soul. Capable of spreading hate and inciting wars, its power surpasses all other weapons, echoing the truth that “death and life are in the power of the tongue.” (Proverbs 18:21).
Samurai warriors undergo intensive training to master their swords, yet we receive no such guidance in wielding our tongues. Neither schools nor most homes teach this. Our words have the power to demean, harm, cut, destroy, and ruin lives more than any physical weapon. While bodily wounds heal, words can inflict lasting psychological scars. Conversely, our words also have the ability to uplift, comfort, build, and instill hope.
Words wield immense power. In the beginning, God spoke creation into existence: “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light” (Genesis 1:3). Created in God’s image, whose words birthed the universe, our words too shape realities. Imagine a child, provided for physically, constantly hearing they are worthless sinners, despicable, and a nuisance. Such words profoundly shape who they become.
Today, we recklessly cast words and promises without grasping their impact. In contrast, ancient societies spoke less, giving weight to every uttered word. Then, a given word could hold a meaning akin to a covenant. Jacob’s attempt to buy Esau’s birthright illustrates the gravity of words. Words were significant because they reflected the heart’s contents. The tongue, like a window to the heart, reveals our innermost thoughts: “For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45). People recognized the extraordinary influence of words and thought carefully before speaking. The Bible advises restraint in speech, “Do not be hasty in your speech” (Ecclesiastes 5:2), as words shape not only the listener’s world but also the speaker’s. Furthermore, the belief that one would be accountable for every word reinforced their careful use: “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken” (Matthew 12:36). Miriam’s punishment for her derogatory remarks about Moses’ wife underscores the gravity of words in God’s eyes. If such weight is given to our speech by God, how much more should we heed our words?
The challenge today lies in understanding this power. Uncontrolled, the tongue leads us into endless troubles: “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble” (Proverbs 21:23). Control over speech is wisdom, as King David knew: “Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit” (Psalms 34:13). While modern society obsesses over diets, perhaps we should also consider a diet for our words. Negativity, cynicism, sarcasm, gossip, and belittling others hamper personal growth and strain relationships. Wise and educated adults rarely curse, reflecting the maturity in controlling one’s tongue.
Our tongue’s impact extends beyond ourselves; uncontrolled, it harms others too. As Paul wrote, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up” (Ephesians 4:29). We must filter our thoughts, allowing only constructive words to be spoken.
Harsh words not only degrade us but also others: “Remind them…to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone” (Titus 3:2). Mature believers must master their tongue, refraining from slander, gossip, or complaints: “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless” (James 1:26).
Recall the Israelites’ failure to enter the Promised Land, hindered by their constant complaints. Like them, perpetual complainers create an unpleasant atmosphere. Facing challenges, whether at work, in traffic, or elsewhere, requires restraint in speech. “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19). Impulsive words often lead to regret. Not every thought merits expression, nor does every debate need winning.
Our words have the power to diminish or to inspire. Even in frustration, our responses need not harm others. As Solomon stated, avoiding strife is honorable: “It is to one’s honor to avoid strife” (Proverbs 20:3). Responding to rudeness with kindness is a virtue, acknowledging that we, too, are imperfect.
Under pressure, our words require even greater caution, as stress can impair judgment. In such times, speaking less is wiser. Yeshua exemplified this during his crucifixion, choosing silence over argument: “I will not say much more to you” (John 14:30). If Yeshua, under extreme distress, restrained His words, how much more should we?
In tense situations, particularly with those close to us, our words carry significant weight. Reactions under stress can unintentionally oppress and demean. Correction and discipline, though necessary at times, should be administered not in anger and humiliation but with kindness and compassion, aiming to build rather than break. Our loved ones’ lives are challenging enough without our harsh words adding to their burdens. On the contrary, affirming words to our children not only comforts them but also plants seeds of confidence and growth.
In the New Testament, James the Apostle dedicates a whole passage to the power of the tongue. He begins by cautioning those aspiring to be teachers, aware of their heightened accountability: “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” (James 3:1). This applies not only to pastors but to most of us, as our words have widespread influence.
James uses metaphors to emphasize the tongue’s impact: “Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body” (James 3:5-6). Like a small rudder steering a large ship, our tongue, though small, can dictate the course of our lives and those around us. It can build and inspire or destroy and devastate. Once a word is spoken, like a forest fire, it can’t be controlled. You can spend five seconds saying words that will later take you five years to fix what they caused.
“All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue” (James 3:7-8). Despite our ability to control the natural world, the tongue remains untamed, capable of causing great harm.
“With the tongue, we praise our Lord and Father, and with it, we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness” (James 3:9-10). This paradox illustrates our capacity for both reverence and disrespect, underscoring the need for consistency in our speech. James emphasizes the importance of purity in speech, asking, “Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? … Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water” (James 3:11-12). Our words should be like fresh, sweet water, consistently positive, because even a hint of negativity, akin to salty, undrinkable water, can contaminate the entire well. In essence, understanding the power of the tongue is akin to realizing the responsibility that comes with handling a weapon. It can either construct or destroy. Our tongue can be a sword that cuts people down or a tool that lifts and builds them. The choice of how to use it lies in our hands. Remember, our words mirror our hearts. To control our tongue, we must first govern our thoughts, for in the mastery of our words lies the power to change realities.
This article is part of the book, “The Kingdom of Yeshua: Christ’s Timeless Wisdom to Revive Your Spiritual Life.”
