12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by the heaven, nor by the earth, nor by any other oath: but let your yea be yea, and your nay, nay; that ye fall not under judgment.

Profane swearing is one of the worst and most senseless of sins; yet, possibly it is as prevalent to-day as at any time since James wrote these lines. It would be interesting to study the philosophy or the psychology of swearing. The practice may spring from a desire for emphasis, particularly when one is provoked and seeks to express disapproval and disgust. This explanation may account for the connection in which these words are found. James has just referred to the cruel oppression of the rich and powerful, and to their unjust treatment of Christians; he now insists that under even such provocation one is not to take the name of the Lord, our God, in vain, or to disobey the strict injunction of Jesus Christ: "Swear not at all." The exact words of our Lord were undoubtedly in mind and were quoted in part by James. The question has often been raised whether the reference here includes the prohibition of oaths in courts of law; it would seem, from the practice of Paul, of Jesus before his judges, of the early Church, and of the Old Testament requirements, that legal oaths are not here in mind; however, it must be admitted that even such swearing is a concession to the dishonesty and incredulity of men — it would not be necessary in an ideal society; yet, as its aim is to secure veracity and to defend truth, its practice may hasten the day when "yea" and "nay" will suffice to establish legal testimony. Surely the use of the divine name to express irritation and anger or to strengthen ordinary affirmation of speech, is not only frivolous and foolish, but irreverent and sinful; it brings one "under judgment." It can usually be corrected by that which underlies the keeping of all law, namely, truer love to God and to men.