34 But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne;
34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
34 But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God,
34 You only make things worse when you lay down a smoke screen of pious talk, saying, 'I'll pray for you,' and never doing it, or saying, 'God be with you,' and not meaning it. You don't make your words true by embellishing them with religious lace. In making your speech sound more religious, it becomes less true.
34 But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God's throne;
34 But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, 'By heaven!' because heaven is God's throne.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 5:34
Commentary on Matthew 5:33-37
(Read Matthew 5:33-37)
There is no reason to consider that solemn oaths in a court of justice, or on other proper occasions, are wrong, provided they are taken with due reverence. But all oaths taken without necessity, or in common conversation, must be sinful, as well as all those expressions which are appeals to God, though persons think thereby to evade the guilt of swearing. The worse men are, the less they are bound by oaths; the better they are, the less there is need for them. Our Lord does not enjoin the precise terms wherein we are to affirm or deny, but such a constant regard to truth as would render oaths unnecessary.