Sermon on the Mount: Plain Speech
33 "Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, "You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.' 34 But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 Let your word be "Yes, Yes' or "No, No'; anything more than this comes from the evil one. - Matthew 5
As Jesus continues his comparison of the old righteousness to kingdom righteousness he moves into the realm of oaths and swearing. He is not speaking specifically about profanity (although that can be included), but he refers to words used to bolster something a person says, and convince another person, either way. The old righteousness allowed for people to swear to anything under the sun (and even things beyond) as long as they fulfilled their oaths to the Lord.It is curious to find this topic next in the flow of Jesus’ sermon; it doesn't seem to fit with anger and lust because on the surface it doesn't seem as if anything wrong is happening. After all, it is encouraged to “carry out the vows you have made.” But remember, in this sermon Jesus isn't operating on the surface; that is where the scribes and Pharisees operate. He is aiming at the heart. And if we look their with him we will understand what is motivating a person when they use language to reinforce and persuade people to get their way.
So what is so wrong with swearing and oath making if you follow through?
Jesus would have answered this question by suggesting that the primary purpose of impressive language is to get people to do what we want. It is, therefore, manipulation; a method of getting our way. “So [people] say, ‘By God!’ or ‘God knows!’ to lend weight to their words and presence.”The problem with swearing or making oaths is not simply that it takes God’s name in vain, but the main problem is how the “swearer” regards other human beings. The oath maker or swearer is essentially trying to override the will of another human made in God’s image by manipulating them with precisely spoken words that make our yeses more attractive, or the noes more emphatic.“This,” says Willard, “is wrong. It is unlike God. And just making sure you perform on any promises you made to God… does not make it right.” Think of how God is in relation to humans. He speaks plainly and allows people to make a choice. He does not try and override a persons will, but simply speaks and allows choice. The God of Elijah is, after all, known as the one with a “still and quiet voice.”This would be a great occasion to discuss what theologians call The Hiddenness of God, but that will have to be another post. Suffice it to say that God is hidden in order to allow human character to develop as it wills. He respects, loves, and cares for the souls of human beings. Therefore, instead of overwhelming, he simply speaks softly and plainly.The same is true of Jesus. The same Jesus who was actively declaring the availability of the kingdom. We would have thought Jesus would perhaps say, “I swear to God, the kingdom is available to you!” Maybe some people would have been convinced by his emphasis. But by doing so he would have been devaluing the souls of those he came to save.Instead he just announces it for all to hear and decide. He says, “Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No.’ Anything more than this “comes from the evil one”—the evil is the intent to get one’s way by verbal manipulation of the thoughts and choices of others.So speak plainly, and love thy neighbor.