A Word Concerning Character Series

A Word Concerning Character

Matthew 5: 33-37

As I began to study this passage, initially it was one of the most difficult to discern that I have studied. I realized the reason for my difficulty was directly related to my approach. The majority of commentaries on this passage approach it from the angle of words we speak, our communication. That is clearly revealed in the text, but there is an application that goes much deeper than mere words we speak. I realized that the words men speak are actually a reflection of the heart. People eventually speak what they feel. Luke 6:45 – A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

I had always considered this a passage that dealt with cursing and swearing, and I suppose there is application for that, but it really deals with the character of men, that inner being that eventually is revealed as we speak. In His continuation of the Sermon of the Mount, Jesus deals with the motives of humanity. I want to examine those motives as we consider: A Word Concerning Character.

I. The Perception of the Law (33) – Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: As with previous points of His message, Jesus immediately dealt with that which they had been taught, that which had been handed down for generations. His emphasis here was in regard to the oaths men take. This speaks of what we would expect: a pledge or promise given in order to add emphasis and validity to words spoken or promises made.

A. The Tradition of an Oath – This is something they were all familiar with, and when handled properly, it was in order. In fact, the Lord established the oath. There are many references to an oath in Scripture. Gen.21:23-24 – Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son: but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned. 24 And Abraham said, I will swear. 2 Chron.15:15 – And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and the LORD gave them rest round about. Gal.1:20 – Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. Jesus Himself used a form of an oath many times as He said, Verily, verily.

Taking an oath is something we are familiar with, even if we have never been called upon to actually take an oath. The oath is used as witnesses prepare to testify in court; politicians place their hand upon the Bible as they take their oath of service. It began thousands of years ago, recorded in Scripture, and the oath remains today.

B. The Corruption of the Oath – Thou shalt not forswear thyself. Jesus spoke of their knowledge of the oath and the corruption often associated with an oath. They were not to forswear as they made an oath, literally swear falsely, or tell a known lie under an oath. There were those who used the oath in an effort to validate their claims, knowing they were making false claims. Lev.19:12 – And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.

Sadly that continues today. Many will lie under oath. There are those who appear to be genuine and sincere, and yet they are just manipulative. In days gone by, for the most part you could count on a promise to be fulfilled. Now if you desire to borrow money or enter a contract, there is much more required than a promise of fulfilling your obligation.

C. The Obligation to the Oath – but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: Even those who were corrupt would admit that one was expected to keep his word and fulfill his obligations, particularly to the Lord. Many oaths in Jesus’ day were made in the name of the Lord, and naturally the Lord took those oaths very seriously. He fully expected men to keep their promise unto Him. Num.30:2 – If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.