Words That BindSample

Day 4: Communicate Clearly

Over the past few days, I have tried to give you a brief overview of the significance and danger of oaths, and I truly hope these readings have opened your eyes and deepened your understanding on this subject. As I close, I just want to encourage you, instead of choosing the careless speech that we’ve been discussing, choose the behavior that Jesus calls us to as His followers.

This command is recorded clearly in Matthew 5:37: “But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil” (KJV).

In the Greek, “Yea, yea” is the phrase Nai, nai (Ναὶ, ναί). It means “yes, indeed,” and it is a very clear affirmative. On the other hand, Jesus says your answer could be, “Nay, nay,” which is “no, indeed, no” in the Greek. Once again, this is an obvious, undeniable negative.

Friend, Jesus is telling us that it should be very clear what we're saying. There should be no mixed signals or uncertain meanings, because all that those do is create a mess.

He refers to this as “more than” the clear communication He desires, and that phrase is the Greek word perissos (περισσός). It describes something that is overflowing, and in this verse, it pictures a person who doesn't give a clear answer but instead rambles on, not clearly committed to any response.

Friend, that kind of communication just muddies your answer, and Jesus says it comes from “evil,” describing that which is destructive, disastrous, harmful, foul, or vile. Jesus knows that these uncommitted and unclear answers are damaging to us and will cause people to question us and our reputations.

Instead of rushing and rambling, follow the advice of Proverbs 15:28 and study how to answer. Slow down and consider it. If you can’t provide a clear answer right away, be willing to say, “I need to think about that first.” There is nothing wrong with that, and in fact, it will be a blessing to those you are talking to.

Believe me, friend, thoughtful answers — promises that are not thrown out in a hurry, decorated with false authority, or muddied by uncommitted rambling — are going to keep you out of a lot of trouble, both with God and with other people. I pray that you walk away from these readings strengthened to give such care to all your words.

For Your Consideration

• Do you ever struggle with an overflow of words? Ask the Lord to keep you from confusing your hearers and to give you the right things to say what you need to.
• Even if you’re not trying to promise something to someone, an unclear answer to them can lead to all the same problems as a rashly made oath. Make it a point to be clear in your communication today, even if it means admitting you don’t have a final answer yet.