Most important, my brothers and sisters, never make a solemn pledge - neither by heaven nor earth, nor by anything else. 

Instead, 

speak with a simple "Yes" or "No," or else you may fall under judgment.  

James 5:12 CEB

Our words matter. 

And James seems to be addressing something in this letter about making colourful over-the-top commitments, as if that is going to make our word, our yes, our no, more meaningful or believable. 

The problem in the churches James was writing to may not be the same problem in our lives, in our community, in our church, but his answer may be helpful.

James simply encourages us to be people who are clear, who do what we say, so that our "yes" and our "no" is all we need to say.

Our words matter, and if we're characterised by a life and choices that match our words, then that is integrity. 

And our Yes and No, our everyday words are enough. 

#James

#Godsgym

#ourwordsmatter

#integrity