Tag Archives: James 5:12

Christian

A Vow Not Taken

Lately I’ve been watching mostly Christian television, specifically Loveworld.

They have been preaching and telling personal stories of how making a vow to God moved him to help them out of their troubles. That’s what Benny Hinn and his friends say, but what does the Bible say?

In James 5:12 KJV it says, But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.

A vow is a serious matter, especially one made to God. This is seen in Ecclesiastes 5:4-6 and in James 5:12 above.

Loveworld is advocating that you make a vow in order to increase their donations. If you want to donate that is your business, but I ask that you wisely do not make it a vow.

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Christian, Inspirational

Yea be Yea

James 5:12 KJV
But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.

The latter part of this verse seems clear enough. Yet, some don’t appear to get it. An example of this is when people – often in prayer – say Lord I confess my sins. Now, you can confess you are a sinner in a single statement. But if you say I confess my sins without actually saying them – your speech is empty. It reminds me of the verses in James 2:15-16 KJV which say, If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, [16] And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

Let your yes mean yes, and your no mean no. Do what you say and say what you mean.

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