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Again, you have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU…

“Again, you have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT MAKE FALSE VOWS, BUT SHALL FULFILL YOUR VOWS TO THE LORD.’ 34But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, or by Jerusalem, for it is…” quote by The Lockman Foundation
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““Again, you have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT MAKE FALSE VOWS, BUT SHALL FULFILL YOUR VOWS TO THE LORD.’ 34But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, or by Jerusalem, for it is THE CITY OF THE GREAT KING. 36Nor shall you make an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil.””

The Lockman Foundation

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

One should avoid making oaths; simple honesty is better than elaborate vows.

In simple terms: Speak truthfully without swearing.

Key Takeaway

Practice straightforward honesty.

Themes

ethics integrity communication faith discipline

Mood

reflective serious

Type

moral spiritual

When to use this quote

  • Legal testimony
  • personal relationships
  • public speaking

Key Concepts

Moral absolutism speech ethics religious doctrine

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can honesty replace formal promises?
  • When is a vow necessary?
A Different Perspective

Avoiding oaths may conflict with cultural or legal expectations.

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