“But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes” or “No, no”; anything beyond these is of evil.” (Matthew 5:37)

Keeping your word is the mark of a genuine worshiper and demonstrates that you, as a child of God, hate lies. Everything in God’s kingdom is sacred and all truth is His truth, so truth has no degrees or shades. Thus, even what seems to be the most minor false statement dishonors God’s name.
The Lord has never had any standard other than absolute truthfulness. He wants every one of us to possess “truth in the innermost being” (Psalms 51:6). And it follows that “lying lips are an abomination to the Lord” (Proverbs 12:22; 6:16-17; Psalms 58:3-4).
Because God has the ultimate criterion of complete truthfulness, even our most routine conversations should be truthful and dependable in every detail. Our everyday talk ought to be plain and straightforward, uncluttered by qualifiers, exaggerations, or hedges on the truth. Our word must be as good as our bond or as any vow or oath we ever make. Jame’s admonishment agrees with Jesus’ teaching, “But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgement” (James 5:12).

Ask Yourself:
Truth and honesty will never be your default setting until you pursue it deliberately — spending your words carefully and keeping your word completely. In what particular areas of your life is it hardest for you to keep your promises?