"But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil."

If we cannot tell the truth, then we are evil. If our word must be backed up with, "I swear to this, and I swear to that," then we are liars. If we, don't tell the truth, it's because we don't fear God. We are not trusting him and taking accountability. We are not loving our neighbor! We are deceivers!

This is a hard reality. Many, come from cultures where lying is accepted; it's as normal as breathing. Paul says,

Titus 1:12-13, "One of their very own prophets said, 'Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.' This testimony is true. So, rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith."

Do you see how he deals with it? He doesn't say, "It's OK. It's their culture." No, he teaches us to root it out, and fight the sin more adamantly. It is Christ over culture in every way. Our allegiance is to him. These good things of the gospel instruct us to, change our minds, and root out disobedience.

Look at yourself in the mirror of God's word, and obey it. Say, "I'm a new creation, and I'll honor God. I'll do what he says at great costs. I won't offer what costs me nothing [2 Sam 24:24]. I'll honor him above everything, even with the truth of my word. I'll back up what I say, for Christ's sake. I'll keep my word."

This integrity honors God and makes us shine as serious people, whose word means something. Therefore, when we testify of Christ, we'll be more heard.

First, "let your, 'Yes,'" be yes. Don't let it fall to the ground.

When Paul could not meet the Corinthian church, as hoped, he reminded them he said, "If the Lord wills." He took special pains to argue that his word is not flippant. He takes it seriously.

2 Corinthians 1:17-18,
So when I planned this, was I irresponsible? Or what I plan, do I plan in a purely human way so that I say “Yes, yes” and “No, no” simultaneously? As God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes and no.”

When you commit to something, do it. If can't fulfill your obligation, then don't back out lightly. Seriously commit to everything that comes out of your mouth. Don't let tiny obstacles hinder you. Fulfilling our word requires adversity.

If we can't be trusted, then no one wants to hear the gospel from us. It's like the boy who cried, "Wolf!" People quit listening.

Secondly, "whatever is, more than" yes and no is evil.

Why must we swear, if we always speak truth? Why lay special emphasis now? The Lord is rebuking cavalier talk that says, "Yes," but does not mean it. He's teaching us to always speak earnestly, so if we do, say, "I tell the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit," then our extraordinary claim can be received wholeheartedly [Rom 9:1]! Our tongue tells the truth, and it should be honored.

Oh, the blessing of a sincere person - someone who can be counted on. You heard them say it, and you can rest. You don't have to calculate truth equations, figuring out how likely they are to back it up.

Thirdly, whatever is dishonest is "evil."

We often don't think that lying is a big deal. It's a way to impress people. Often we think the truth is inconvenient and unnecessary. When we see it's evil, however, then we go to God for cleansing. We determine to speak the truth.

Truly, God will help us. Our righteousness will exceed the Pharisees. Our religion will be more than talk; it will root itself in actions and deeds. The fear of God will govern our tongues, so we don't bless Christ while deceiving our neighbor.

Evil will be purged by the new birth and the Spirit. No matter our culture, our past, or our temptations, we'll be upright.

Bless God for this hatred of sin and the desire to honor him; it is his gift.