Be straightforward in your words—let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no. Avoid making commitments you may not keep, as James 5:12 warns:
“But most of all, my brothers and sisters, never take an oath, by heaven or earth or anything else. Just say a simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No,’ so that you will not sin and be condemned.” (James 5:12, NLT)
This verse emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in speech. Rather than making elaborate promises or swearing by something greater, we should simply speak the truth. If we commit to something, we should follow through. If we are unable, we should be honest and say no. It is better to be truthful from the start than to give false hope and fail to fulfill our word.
At the same time, Scripture also teaches that failing to do what we know is right is sinful:
“Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.” (James 4:17, NLT)
This means that while we should be careful with our commitments, we should also not withhold help or responsibility when we have the ability to act. If we have the opportunity to do good, we should not refuse simply out of convenience or hesitation.
Together, these verses call us to be people of truth—honest in our words and faithful in our actions.