The Command
“Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.” (Matthew 5:37)
What It Means
Jesus wants us to be people whose word is enough. If you are honest, a plain yes or no is all anyone needs from you. We reach for extra when we want to be believed, with an “I swear” or a long explanation, and that is often a sign we are not sure we will follow through. Jesus says that extra comes from evil, because it tries to make a shaky word sound solid.
Try It Today
The next time someone asks something of you today, give a plain yes or a plain no, without extra explanation. Then do what you said.
Tonight’s Prayer
Father, make my word plain and trustworthy. Help me say yes or no, and then do what I said. Forgive me where my word fell short today. Amen.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.