Key scripture – “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.” (Matthew 5:33-37 ESV).

Do you always say what you mean? If you do, then you don’t need to make vows, because people will know they can trust your word. “Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed” (Proverbs 12:19).

Let your “yes” mean “yes” and let your “no” mean “no”. We only create problems for ourselves when we try to deceive one another or tell “white lies” or exaggerate or downplay a serious situation. “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth” (Proverbs 12:22).

If you are always honest and open about your statements and commitments, then you will have a reputation of credibility and people will know that they can take you at face value. “A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is a traitor” (Proverbs 14:25).

The Lord wants people to have confidence in you, because you represent Him. Is He calling you to speak with integrity in a certain situation in your life right now? Then do it. Ask Him for the words, timing, and courage to do what is right, and to say what you mean.

Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, “Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you.” (Psalm 86:11). Forgive me for stretching the truth, telling so called “white lies” because to You, a lie is a lie, no matter what color we try to put on it. Father, I want to be a Psalm 15 Christian so that I can dwell on Your Holy hill. The Psalmist asks, “Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?” Then he gives us the answer, “Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord, and keep their promises even when it hurts. Those who lend money without charging interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever.” (Psalm 15:1-5). I want to be blameless in my approach to every part of my family life, work life, and personal life. I want to be truthful in all my dealings. I want to treat everyone as my neighbor. I want to say what I do truthfully and always do what I say. When I give my word, I want to follow through even if the outcome may not be positive and beneficial to me. I want my words to bless and not harm people. Father, give me the wisdom to make this Psalm a part of my life and show me how to live it out in everything that I do. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.