But let your statement be, “Yes, yes” or “No, no”: anything beyond this is of evil. 

                                                                                                         Matthew 5:37 

Just as Jesus expanded on many of the other commandments, He also reveals the spirit and purpose behind the ninth commandment. We are not to murder but also we need to avoid being angry with our fellow man. We are not to engage in adultery but we also should avoid even looking with lust. We are not to steal from others but we should also consider living a life that is willing to give. All of these commandments move beyond mere prohibition and act as valuable instructions on how to live a truly blessed life.

The ninth commandment tells us that we are not to speak falsehood against another but Jesus reminds us that this instruction goes far beyond the issue of lying. In today’s passage, Jesus tells us that whatever we say, we are to have the reputation of meaning what we say. “Let your ‘yes’ mean ‘yes’ and let your ‘no’ mean ‘no’” is another way of translating this passage. Notice that we decide our answer but whatever we determine our response to be, we are to be known for having integrity and authenticity.

This instruction of Jesus comes immediately after His teaching on making oaths. He tells us the we do not need to take oaths rather, as people of integrity, we can be taken at our word and trusted to do the very things that we say we will do. Consider the following passages dealing with integrity:

For we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

                                                                                                         2 Corinthians 8:21 

Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices… 

                                                                                                         Colossians 3:9 

Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.

                                                                                                                 Ephesians 4:25 

 If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.

                                                                                                                     James 1:26 

He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out. 

                                                                                                                   Proverbs 10:9 

The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them.

                                                                                                                 Proverbs 11:3 

Let’s be a people who are honest in our dealings and are considered trustworthy!