Verse 12
James 5:12 . A disconnected maxim, warning Jews against a very prevalent sin, and again directly quoting the unnamed Master ( Matthew 5:34 ff; cf. Matthew 23:16-Song of Solomon :). The Quaker-like self-control which makes “ Yes” or “ No” carry more weight than a whole string of oaths, is a virtue not inappropriately commended after that of “ patience.” “ Before all things” is not a relative phrase; a warning to guard the sacredness of God’ s Name, and avoid the “ condemnation” of the Third Commandment, is declared to be among the first things. Probably mg. is right, as the words are so close to Matthew 5:37. Our Lord’ s own habit of doubling a word for emphasis is well exemplified in His characteristic “ Amen, Amen” in Jn. ( e.g. John 13:20).
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