James 5:12

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - James 5:12-20

This epistle now drawing to a close, the penman goes off very quickly from one thing to another: hence it is that matters so very different are insisted on in these few verses. I. The sin of swearing is cautioned against: But above all things, my brethren, swear not, etc., Jas. 5:12. Some understand this too restrictedly, as if the meaning were, ?Swear not at your persecutors, at those that reproach you and say all manner of evil of you; be not put into a passion by the injuries they do you,... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - James 5:12

5:12 Above all things, my brothers, do not swear, neither by heaven nor by earth nor by any other oath. Let your yes be a simple yes and your no a simple no, lest you fall under judgment. James is repeating the teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount ( Matthew 5:33-37 ), teaching which was very necessary in the days of the early church. James is not thinking of what we call bad language but of confirming a statement or a promise or an undertaking by an oath. In the ancient world,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - James 5:12

But above all things, my brethren, swear not ,.... As impatience should not show itself in secret sighs, groans, murmurings, and repinings, so more especially it should not break forth in rash oaths, or in profane swearing; for of such sort of swearing, and of such oaths, is the apostle to be understood; otherwise an oath is very lawful, when taken in the fear and name of God, and made by the living God, and is used for the confirmation of anything of moment, and in order to put an end to... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - James 5:12

Above all things - swear not - What relation this exhortation can have to the subject in question, I confess I cannot see. It may not have been designed to stand in any connection, but to be a separate piece of advice, as in the several cases which immediately follow. That the Jews were notoriously guilty of common swearing is allowed on all hands; and that swearing by heaven, earth, Jerusalem, the temple, the altar, different parts of the body, was not considered by them as binding oaths,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - James 5:12

Verse 12 12But above all things. It has been a common vice almost in all ages, to swear lightly and inconsiderately. For so bad is our nature that we do not consider what an atrocious crime it is to profane the name of God. For though the Lord strictly commands us to reverence his name, yet men devise various subterfuges, and think that they can swear with impunity. They imagine, then, that there is no evil, provided they do not openly mention the name of God; and this is an old gloss. So the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - James 5:7-20

CONCLUDING EXHORTATIONS read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - James 5:12

Exhortation against swearing , founded on our Lord's teaching in the sermon on the mount, Matthew 5:33-37 —a passage which was evidently present to St. James's thoughts. He, like his Master, "lays down rules and maxims and principles without specifying the limitations and exceptions." The sermon on the mount, as interpreted by our Lord's own actions, is a clear witness that this formed Ms method of teaching. If, then, his words do not touch the case of oaths solemnly tendered to men in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - James 5:12

Warning against the sin of swearing. On this text see Barrow's great sermon, serm. 15., 'Against Rash and Vain Swearing,' in which is discussed (a) to society at large, and (b) to the person who is guilty of it; and read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - James 5:12

Against swearing. The apostle has been exhorting to long-suffering under trials; and he now prohibits profanity. For impatience in the time of affliction may betray a man into speaking unadvisedly, and may even tempt him to take the Name of God in vain. I. THE KIND OF SWEARING WHICH IS HERE PROHIBITED . We believe that James condemns only what is called profane swearing. He exhorts the brethren to abstain from hasty and frivolous oaths. Some commentators, indeed (as De... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - James 5:12

Simplicity of speech. Why "above all things"? Unless that this was one of their chiefly besetting sins. But, indeed, the intrinsic importance of the subject itself is sufficient warrant for the use of such words. It is the great subject of verity—verity of speech. And, indeed, if the verities of speech be trifled with, soon all verity is gone; and if a man be not a true man, of what worth is he? "Swear not." We need not take these words as prohibiting the use of the oath on solemn public... read more

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